Sticking gas cap mechanism.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3
Sticking gas cap mechanism.
When I try to unlock and open the gas cap, the locking mechanism sticks.
In order to get the key to turn, I have to manipulate the cap by pressing down on the left and right side of the cap, (left, right, left right, both sides at the same time...etc) sometimes for a couple of minutes until the key will turn. Keeping clockwise pressure on the key. Not too hard or the key will twist.
Not much of a problem when the tank is full, due to the fuel providing some lubrication.
I'm sure applying grease would help but will be washed off by the fuel and may clog the filter.
I could replace the cap with a aftermarket, non-locking cap. But some people are malicious and I'm afraid of what someone would put in my tank.
Has anyone had this problem and found a solution?
In order to get the key to turn, I have to manipulate the cap by pressing down on the left and right side of the cap, (left, right, left right, both sides at the same time...etc) sometimes for a couple of minutes until the key will turn. Keeping clockwise pressure on the key. Not too hard or the key will twist.
Not much of a problem when the tank is full, due to the fuel providing some lubrication.
I'm sure applying grease would help but will be washed off by the fuel and may clog the filter.
I could replace the cap with a aftermarket, non-locking cap. But some people are malicious and I'm afraid of what someone would put in my tank.
Has anyone had this problem and found a solution?
WERA #44
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 265
From: About 57 miles south of VIR
1- look at your key(s) Are they original or copies? if copies, probably bad ones. Are they bent or worn? Do you have a heavy key ring?
2- Good quality spray lube like Triflow or the teflon based Dupont stuff they sell at Lowes (not the dry formula) Take the little straw, put it in the nozzle, wash out all your locks with it, catching the overflow with paper towels. Slide key in and out WITHOUT twisting it to move the tumblers and clear some of the mung off of them. If the key tracks out a lot of black grime, Shoot the lock with carb cleaner, being mindful of your paint and rubber parts. Re-oil after carb cleaner.
3-Most gas cap locks have a spring mechanism that fires the lock bolts when the cap is pushed closed. This spring is keeping tension on the cap and you may need to apply a bit of pressure while turning the key to open it. You should also lube the bolt mechanism (all the moving parts) with the same oil.
Any lube that may drip in the gas ain't going to hurt anything. What the heck, give it a couple spoon fulls of Marvel Mystery oil. It will probably like it.
2- Good quality spray lube like Triflow or the teflon based Dupont stuff they sell at Lowes (not the dry formula) Take the little straw, put it in the nozzle, wash out all your locks with it, catching the overflow with paper towels. Slide key in and out WITHOUT twisting it to move the tumblers and clear some of the mung off of them. If the key tracks out a lot of black grime, Shoot the lock with carb cleaner, being mindful of your paint and rubber parts. Re-oil after carb cleaner.
3-Most gas cap locks have a spring mechanism that fires the lock bolts when the cap is pushed closed. This spring is keeping tension on the cap and you may need to apply a bit of pressure while turning the key to open it. You should also lube the bolt mechanism (all the moving parts) with the same oil.
Any lube that may drip in the gas ain't going to hurt anything. What the heck, give it a couple spoon fulls of Marvel Mystery oil. It will probably like it.
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Randman
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Jul 15, 2006 10:35 PM
