[Bob Phillips]

Thanks Brian and Rob for the input.
My jeep will backfire , sputter, and not want to crank over ( liquid isnt comnpressable ) will order a new needle and seat and check fuel pressures. Half inch of gas in manifold is a real problem. I have seen pressure regulators listed for sale on a number of jeep sites starting about $50 US. I believe this is a common problem- I have an M38A1 which sat in a storage building for several years and seized up. The problem as it turns out was that too much fuel was being pumped into the engine and washed /diluted the oil in the top end of the vehicle , bottom end was fine- engine oil badly diluted with gas.
Will check all the items you have suggested. thanks BP