The Ford Barn

Maznblu · 11-26-2023, 03:45 PM

Hi everyone,

I hope you all had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! I am writing today with a problem I am hoping someone might be able to help me solve.

I have a 1938 Ford 1/2 ton pickup which I am in the process of restoring. Finally got it on the road a couple of weeks ago but, when my buddy (driving behind me as I took it home from his shop) watched as I took right hand turns, gas spilled out of the gas cap. When I first bought the truck earlier this year, I could see damage to the paint on the rear fender below the gas cap, so I knew I needed to get this problem fixed. So, I bought a Bob Drake locking gas cap and thought it would make a better seal but, sadly, it did not. I have since confirmed that I need a new VENTED gas cap so that I don't create a vacuum that will restrict the flow of gas from the tank to the fuel pump.

I spoke to another buddy who told me that, years ago, his father had had the same problem with his 1940 V8 truck and he had solved by getting a one-way gas flow restrictor from a boat shop. But I really don't think I should have to go that far. It seems to me that a new gas cap, with a better seal, should fix the problem, unless I am missing something here.

Here are a couple of pictures of the original gas cap and the damage to the rear fender from gas spillage. Any thoughts or suggestions (especially where I might find a good new gas cap) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

Tony, NY · 11-26-2023, 04:45 PM

Can anything go bad other than the seal? Try switching the seal from your other cap or make one. Just a thought. Having gas coming out going around corners seems a little unusual to begin with. Maybe something else is the cause.

petehoovie · 11-26-2023, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony, NY

Can anything go bad other than the seal? Try switching the seal from your other cap or make one. Just a thought.

tubman · 11-26-2023, 06:42 PM

I had the same problem on my old '36 3-window and finally solved it by not "topping off" (an old habit of mine) at the gas station.

Pat/Ohio · 11-27-2023, 09:09 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman

I had the same problem on my old '36 3-window and finally solved it by not "topping off" (an old habit of mine) at the gas station.

Tubman is correct....don't put so darn much gas in the tank! LOL! My '40 convertible did the same thing. When I heard the bubbles...I stopped!

Stay Safe,
Pat

11-26-2023, 04:45 PM	#2
Tony, NY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Capital of Corruption , NY Posts: 811	Re: Gas Spillage Can anything go bad other than the seal? Try switching the seal from your other cap or make one. Just a thought. Having gas coming out going around corners seems a little unusual to begin with. Maybe something else is the cause.

11-26-2023, 06:42 PM	#4
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,320	Re: Gas Spillage I had the same problem on my old '36 3-window and finally solved it by not "topping off" (an old habit of mine) at the gas station.