cant open gas cap

I had not even thought of that ass hole trick of super glue but it seems that is not the problem. Have you tried anything other than the PBIR blaster? I really would try something like the above suggestions.

 

May sound strange, but if it sat for a long time, it may be jammed with minerals from water getting in. Try injecting some CLR and let it sit.

 

Honestly, I would just unbolt the thing and put on a keyless fuel cap.

 

It gets worse.. a couple of toothpicks or a bamboo skewer then the superglue.

Part of the problem is that unless I'm missing something here is, is this bike a VFR and if so what year?

Most of those lubricants are graphite. Maybe some penetraiting oil might work since it sounds like the majority of the glitch in in the key mechanism and not so much in the seal.

 

you have to have the cap open to reach the screws to unbolt the cap. Bike is an 85 vf700f.

 

This used to happen on my CBR quite a bit, which is basically the same set up. You have a little oxidization happening with the inner part of the cap & lip of the tank. I used to have to push down firmly & hold the cap compressed & then turn the key. A little lube (a small smear) around the rim of the cap will hopefully fix the problem.

 

Buy a syringe at a drug store. The type used by diabetics cost about 25 centavos. Mix up some motor oil and kerosene and lube the shit out of any part that looks like it should move or seal. Walk off and let the mix work for a couple of days.


Looks like the part is obsolete and when OEM was 85 pesos.

The question now is, when pressing down on the cap is there movement?

 

Ah! That makes a huge difference then. I don't even know if they make keyless fuel caps for that. If the did, I would drill the lock if the lube fails.

 

Maybe the pin in the hinge can be accessed. Grind off one end with a Dremel

If mineral deposits from water are the culprits there are a couple of things that will work on them.

Cleaners that are made to clean appliances that heat water like coffee makers and electric hot water kettles. Same thing basically in denture cleaner tabs.

I'd try both vinegar or a slurry of sodium bicarbonate too; (baking soda) the pins in the lock may be brass.

Also try heating the key and maybe even trying a blank that made for that particular bike.

Messing with the key, it would be a good idea to have a spare made in case ya blow it.

 

Good suggestions Billy. A spare key is probably a great idea especially after a stiff drink and and a lot of frustration.

The hinge pin I don't think will work because the lid has the 2 side claw you won't be able to get out with out turning the key.

 

Is this thread going to degrade into a mixology lesson? If it does, I take my gin martinis stirred not shaken along with three queen olives, or if you insist, I can do a Gibson with three cocktail onions. Dry is the way I fly...

Cheers :loco: don't drink and ride, you won't remember chit...

 

I thjink i have a semi-brilliant idea that will work: remove tank and turn it upside down, letting it sit for a few minutes. The reason cap won't open is cuz the 2 "side fingers" (that hold cap closed) are corroded and stuck, so getting them soaked in fuel should loosen them up enough to move again. It's the only way to get lube to the fingers as none of the above suggestions get lube anywhere near them. It's almost certain the lock cylinder is free, but the fingers are stuck.

 

Now that is a good idea.

 

rode the bike to a locksmith the local honda dealer suggested. he sprayed some of the lock-ease and worked the key. no go. let it sit for a minute then tried his lock pick set. no go. got a small microscope thing and said 'the bottom pin is stuck, let it sit overnight and see if it works.' stuck the key in one last time and it opened. works like new. he said to hit it with wd40 once a month and it should be fine. thanks to all who posted suggestions!

 

Cool.

I'd use something other than WD though.

 

it was recommended by the guy who fixed it so I'll go on his reccomendation.

 

Yaaay! Success!

 

I love happy endings. :smile:

 

WD40 is a great cleaner but was designed as a water displacement. While it will work temporarily as a lube, there are far better products out there for that purpose.

For the key and tumbler chamber, simply a pencil lead on the surface of the key and work it in there. The graphite of the lead forms miniscule balls that keep that working grand. Use that all the time on my house door hinges and door locks. On my vehicles too.

Now Squirrel mentioned an issue with the inner tabs possible getting sticky. I am not sure I would be putting graphite on that. Might get some in the fuel and I don't know if that will cause an issue or not. But to lube those tabs, you can get a product called Tri-flo. Readily available at many bicycle shops and I've seen it at a few locksmith shops too. It is a Teflon type lubricant. You can get it is a little squeeze bottle with the straw. A very little goes a long way. Periodic lubing of such parts will prevent problems in the future. I really love that stuff. Use it to keep the chain on my bicycle lubed up. And many other applications.

 

I hammered a screwdriver into mine this past winter & replaced it as I'd lost the key. It works but will probably destroy the screwdriver as well as the lock~