Gas mileage/tank capacity

Good evening,

So over the past 6 weeks I completely rewired my "new" 1956 CJ5 (EZ-WIRE 12v mini kit) replaced carb with a new solex, new OEM style gauge cluster and ugly, out of place looking chrome turn signal lever kit. So far I have put close to 300 miles on the Willys already and find every excuse to be out enjoying the nicer days here.

My question to you is how many gallons of fuel does the stock under seat tank hold?

I think I may be having an issue with my fuel tank sending unit as it will stay pegged at a full reading for many many miles and then drop rather quickly. Also it will read at about half full but then I will put in 3-4 gallons in and then reach the filler hose. Other than this issue she is running like a champ and has overnight become my DD. Just hope to get a handle on whatever demons are getting to my sending unit or gauge, unless this is normal because I go camping often at places that are 50-150 miles from my house with few gas stations on the way. I hope to make a trip to the closest decent Army surplus store this weekend because they have a lot of good NATO cans available which I feel at this point may be necessary. What should the range of the stock gas tank be, assuming running stock gearing (honestly unsure what I have in mine) with 31x10.5" tires? Should addthat I drive the Willys pretty easy and never romp on it. I usually avg 50-52MPH highway however according to my new speedo it can hit 58, (60 mph downhill once lol) I just don't like to rev the snot out of it.

I promise I searched.

Thank you,

-Grant

 

Hi Grant, If you are driving your jeep to get to and from your campsite (rather than towing), at those distances, it is my experience you will never be happy with the stock tank capacity... or the reliability of the sender. IMHO
Usage of fuel when you are out will be determined by the conditions and the gears you are using for the majority of the miles. Hence, the gas you use in 3 hours on one day may only last one hour on another. Knowing your MPG makes little difference out on the trail. And, being a mechanical sending unit, it will also be affected by the degree of angle or tilt, always giving you a + or - and bobble factor to deal with. On my first CJ5 build I built a swing away tire carrier on the back but had two jerry can holders in front of the spare. It worked great, as the little Ford 265 transplant would like to drink it at times. On another CJ5 I found a 17 Gal. metal water tank at surplus, converted, and it fit perfectly between the rear shackles with modification to the exhaust system. On that one I retained the under seat tank, although disabled, it was still capable of toting extra fuel if needed. I hope either one of these 'fixes' are a help. It's always fun to make something better. Roger