I have a 1949 F-1 I am in the process of restoring. I have installed a new gas tank which is functioning properly. There is no visable vent and the cab always has a gas smell. Should these tanks be vented to the outside somewhere. I purchased the tank from a reputable on line parts house, dealing in replacement parts for this vehicle.

 

Welcome to the forum! We always appreciate pictures of your truck!

The gas cap is vented on these. IF it has been replaced with a non-vented cap, it would build pressure and cause a stink, but it also would likely cause the engine to stall after a short run. Other causes of smells can be the gasket on the sender unit, and the filler pipe hose.

 

Every tank needs a vent in order for air to get into the tank to replace the used fuel and for the fuel pump to work without collapsing the fuel tank. If there is only a fuel line to the carb and no other lines then the fuel cap is going to be that vent. If you want to go to a sealed gas cap you will need to run a separate line from the top of the tank outside the cab, preferably to a charcoal canister or a one way check valve that lets air in but not fumes out.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll check the cap and the fuel line.