HELP - MY KEY WILL NOT UNLOCK THE GAS CAP

[ct7088]

There are seven screws but only three are used to hold the cap.

Chris

[retcol]

Chris, I tried that, but after removing the seven screws, the assembly would not budge. I looked at a YouTube video of a man changing out his assembly and I saw that there is yet another screw under the gas cap that holds the assembly in. Of course, if you can't open the gas cap like I can't, then there is no way to get to that last screw under the cap holding it all in place.

[ct7088]

Are you planing to drill out the lock cylinder or the cap to get access to the hidden cap screw?

[retcol]

I really don't know, I've never done either one. Maybe I'll carry the tank to a locksmith and see what he can do.

[squidley63]

If you are still stuck on this problem before you drill out the lock put the key in the lock and wedge a screwdriver in the slot by the key an use the screwdriver to put more torque on the lock to see if you can get it to pop. I use a flat head that allows me to put an adjustable wrench on the screwdriver for more leverage. I push down on the screwdriver with one hand while working the wrench back and forth and usually can get the lock to go. Just make sure the key is seated in the lock fully.

Most of the time it's not the lock that is the culprit it's usually the oxidation on the tab that latches the lid. Hope this helps you out or if not can help someone else that has had this issue looking for an easy fix.

[retcol]

Thanks squidley, I'll givbe thid a go tonight!

[TexasDave]

As our member retcol is searching for a way to get his gas cap open an ADV member had a suggestion. Remove the tank from bike and remove the gas gauge. This would allow access to the back side for lubrication. It may also allow access to the two tabs to be manually moved after letting them sit in oil a few days. What do you think?

Dave

[Pat Conlon]

Good idea Dave....I wonder if it would work?
There is a interior filler tube at neck of the opening which may make access to the underside of the gas cap a bit a dodgy.

[TexasDave]

The 93 I purchased last year has the tank off. Removing the gauge on the bottom front right side one of the tabs is clearly visible and could be GENTLY tapped with a long screwdriver. The other tab is not visible. Just looking at them you could tell if they were corroded. Both are clear for some oil.

Dave

[Pat Conlon]

Thanks amigo!  Good to know 

[Troyskie]

If here is enough fuel left what about riding it around to a locksmith?

[TexasDave]

If here is enough fuel left what about riding it around to a locksmith?

He has the right key and it will partially turn the lock. The problem is the mechanism that turns the two locking tabs. I suspect the locking tabs and/or mechanism is corroded.

Dave

[Troyskie]

He has the right key and it will partially turn the lock. The problem is the mechanism that turns the two locking tabs. I suspect the locking tabs and/or mechanism is corroded.
Dave
[/quote]

Very true Dave, but locksmiths have solved some mechanism issues related to locks for me in the past (jammed gun cabinet mechanism on the three way thingy). Admittedly not this specific fuel cap issue, but as the fuel cap is part of the lock system they'd have the tools with best chance of being able to make it open.