Gas/ Fuel cap is a little sticky...

Is it ok to hit it with a little WD 40? Lithium lube? what is recommended?
Key turns a little sticky and the latch mechanism is sticky to release to put back on and get the key out.
2014 VFR 800
thanks!

 

Powder Graphite is what I use.

WD40 gets very sticky, that makes it great at limiting corrosion but it attracts dust and dirt.

 

its usually NOT a key problem.

under the bottom, lube the 2 sliding pieces with wd or motor oil or similar. use the key to work lube into the sliders.

 

Sorry Squirrelman but I can't agree with you about the WD40. It makes a poor lubricant. It is a water displacement concoction. It is good for cleaning something but not a lubricant.

For many circumstances I do like graphite. I have a can of graphite spray but seldom would someone need the quantity of graphite that comes out of an aerosol can. When I have any stuck lock issue, I will spray the key with graphite and work it in the lock. But better yet, take a pencil, rub the graphite led all over the key, then work that into the lock with the key. Graphite does not attract or cause other gunk or crap to collect and gum up the lock chamber any more than it already may be.

If you can get the chamber out of the tank and want to clean it, hold the chamber over the garbage and saturate it with aerosol electrical contact cleaner or even brake cleaner to clean the crap away. Any solvent that will evaporate quickly and completely will work. Then do the pencil on the key trick to get lube back into the chamber.

 

I use spray graphite and admit that i'm not sure it is all that great and alter between that and WD.

https://www.agscompany.com/products/lock-ease-graphite-lubricant

 

Upon closer inspection and based on some of these responses, I realize the key moves fine so it isn't that. It is the mechanical latching mechanism. I "could" lube the mechanism with some lubricant but it also occurs to me that it will likely be washed off by the gasoline sloshing in the tank. This mechanism is below the rubber seal and therefore exposed to the gas in the tank. hmm...

 

You might need to remove that chamber and look at it closely. There may be grindings from the key or pins wearing over time, that need to be flushed out. Just a thought. You can take it to a reputable locksmith for an opinion. He will need to see it rather than "hear" your story though.

 

nevertheless.........

routine maintainence should include periodic lube to the side sliders even if it soon disappears, especially important before a period of storage, when it wont slosh off. also a dab of grease where sliders contact the tank so no problem later.