Gas tank lid

[deathblosom]

OK, it has been a while, but trying to get the old girl running again.  I have a 89 and the key only turns about 45 degrees clockwise.  Don't want to twist too hard.  I figured I would just take the screws out and take the whole thing off, which I seem to recall doing before, or maybe trying.  Anyway, that was unsuccessful too.  Should I just squirt some liquid wrench or WD 40 in the key hole?  Just a little?  Thanks for any help!

Keith Chamberlin
Takoma Park MD

[FJmonkey]

OK, it has been a while, but trying to get the old girl running again.  I have a 89 and the key only turns about 45 degrees clockwise.  Don't want to twist too hard.  I figured I would just take the screws out and take the whole thing off, which I seem to recall doing before, or maybe trying.  Anyway, that was unsuccessful too.  Should I just squirt some liquid wrench or WD 40 in the key hole?  Just a little?  Thanks for any help!

Keith Chamberlin
Takoma Park MD

Yes, give that a try, it won't hurt... Also push down on the front of the cap to take pressure off the locking tabs while turning the key...

And welcome back...

[Tuneforkfreak]

I can tell you from experience that all of those zinc plated springs inside the lid get a white corrosion on them and pretty much stop being springy. I disassembled all of those parts cleaned and greased them and now my lid is doing what its supposed to do. The common venting sound that everyone talks about from the lid when you shut off the bike, I never heard before but I hear it every time now. Key works smooth now too. I always do what monkey said, I push down on the lid to remove the latch pressure then I open it.

[rktmanfj]

Good to see you back here, Keith!

You've been missed...

Randy T
Indy

[chiz]

Push down hard on lid while turning key.

[deathblosom]

Thanks Randy,
To all, I did try pushing down as that works on my Hawk as well.  Guess some liquid wrench is in order.  It is clockwise to unlock right?

Good to see you back here, Keith!

You've been missed...

Randy T
Indy

[rktmanfj]

Thanks Randy,
To all, I did try pushing down as that works on my Hawk as well.  Guess some liquid wrench is in order.  It is clockwise to unlock right?

Yes, clockwise.