Gas cap won't open

Bones85 · December 14th, 2013, 07:10 AM

I went to fill up at a local gas station here and was surprised to find out that my gas cap won't open

I rode home and sprayed WD40 and Teflon lubricant in the keyhole, pushed down on the gas cap when turning the key, and also tried my spare key that's never been used before. I still can't get the gas cap open. It feels like the key is going to snap when I turn it.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Edit: Fixed it. I follow this guide. Sprayed Break Free CLP in the crack and let it soak overnight and finally was able to turn the lock with the key. It now feels a lot smoother.

I don't have to worry about being stranded now if the lock ever does fail again because I'll be able to just remove the six allen key bolts and take the cap off.

rojoracing53 · December 14th, 2013, 07:21 AM

does it feel like the key is going down the whole way in or is it maybe getting hung up on something that someone shoved into your keyhole?

Bones85 · December 14th, 2013, 07:29 AM

It feels/looks like it's not being pushed all the way down like there's something stopping it, but I'm not 100% sure because I don't remember how it looked when it worked properly.

Can anyone take a picture of their key in their gas cap from a good angle so I can see how far the key is supposed to go in?

csmith12 · December 14th, 2013, 07:48 AM

When all else fails, read here.

WD-40 is good stuff, yep but it's not a magic elixir and you can take that to the bank because I am from KY. I carry WD-40 with me everywhere lol. Sometimes you need something that is not for water displacement. Get you some PB Blaster and spray it in there and let it sit overnight. Then try to work it slowly back and forth.

Pro Tip: The power to break free a stuck lock is not in the turn of the key, to get force with the key, take off your seat and tap the gas tank mount bolts while you turn the key back and forth. And make sure you use a rubber mallet.

Good luck!

rojoracing53 · December 14th, 2013, 07:50 AM

allanoue · December 14th, 2013, 07:54 AM

Bones85 · December 14th, 2013, 08:17 AM

My key looks about the same as those pictures when it's in the gas cap.

I also tried wet Teflon lubricant and I could try Dupont Chain Saver or dry teflon lube that I have. Sprayed stuff in there about two hours ago and still haven't been able to get the cap open.

Bones85 · December 14th, 2013, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Pro Tip: The power to break free a stuck lock is not in the turn of the key, to get force with the key, take off your seat and tap the gas tank mount bolts while you turn the key back and forth. And make sure you use a rubber mallet.

Looks like I'll have to resort to trying this. What exactly do you mean by the gas tank mount bolts? The two 10mm bolts at the rear of the tank? I want to make sure I'm hitting the right thing.

If this doesn't work then I'm gonna have to drill a hole in the gas cap to reach the hidden bolt and then take the gas cap apart and clean everything or buy an aftermarket cap.

I still don't understand why the gas cap is stuck though. I've always kept the bike in a garage and I don't know why the parts would be corroded. Maybe from the previous owners who didn't keep the bike in the garage.

csmith12 · December 14th, 2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones85

Looks like I'll have to resort to trying this. What exactly do you mean by the gas tank mount bolts? The two 10mm bolts at the rear of the tank? I want to make sure I'm hitting the right thing.

Yep, those are the ones. Let the pb blaster do it's work at least 15 mins before hand, overnight would be better.

Bones85 · December 14th, 2013, 01:37 PM

I don't have any PB Blaster. I'll have to buy some if none of the stuff I have works: WD40, Dupont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant, Dupont Chain Saver, Finish Line Teflon-Plus Dry Lube, and Break-Free CLP (used for guns).

Which one do you recommend?

rojoracing53 · December 14th, 2013, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones85

I don't have any PB Blaster. I'll have to buy some if none of the stuff I have works: WD40, Dupont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant, Dupont Chain Saver, Finish Line Teflon-Plus Dry Lube, and Break-Free CLP (used for guns).

Which one do you recommend?

all of them

but really wd40 or clp stuff for guns should work fine given time to seep in.

Bones85 · December 15th, 2013, 08:04 AM

Still can't get it to open. WD40/Teflon lubricant were sprayed in the keyhole over 24 hours ago. Might have to remove the gas cap.

Motofool · December 15th, 2013, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones85

Still can't get it to open. WD40/Teflon lubricant were sprayed in the keyhole over 24 hours ago. Might have to remove the gas cap.

Copied from the link provided by post #4 above:

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrugalNinja250

FWIW, the lock cylinder is separated from the latch with rubber seals designed to keep gasoline from coming up through the key hole. Any lube you spray into the lock cylinder will have no effect on the latch, which is usually the culprit due to corrosion resulting from water condensation.

Water condensation happens naturally inside the tank of any garaged bike due to drastic changes in ambient temperature.

So far, you have done nothing to liberate the latch.

Before you start drilling, try a heat gun (or hair dryer) and a rubber mallet on the cap before trying the key once again.

allanoue · December 15th, 2013, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

Before you start drilling, try a heat gun (or hair dryer) and a rubber mallet on the cap before trying the key once again.

^^^

Bones85 · December 15th, 2013, 09:02 AM

Didn't work. I used a space heater for 10 minutes on the cap and heated everything enough to where it was pretty hot to the touch and then hammered the gas cap and wiggled the key back and fourth.

Looks like I'm gonna have to use a drill.

Motofool · December 15th, 2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones85

Didn't work. I used a space heater for 10 minutes on the cap and heated everything enough to where it was pretty hot to the touch and then hammered the gas cap and wiggled the key back and fourth.

Looks like I'm gonna have to use a drill.

Time to drill then

Try the key + hammer last time after all that cools down.

accumack · December 15th, 2013, 09:58 AM

NEVER MIND. just reread your first post.
Did you try pushing down on the cap while trying turn the key? I have to do that every once in a while.

Bones85 · December 15th, 2013, 10:08 AM

I'm gonna try the key + hammer once more today and tomorrow and if that doesn't work then I'll use the drill. Probably means some of the gas cap parts are ruined and I'll have to buy a new one

Bones85 · December 15th, 2013, 11:48 AM

Went ahead and just removed the gas cap. Now I have to figure out what's wrong with it. Not really sure how to clean the parts or what to do but hopefully that pregen guide applies to our bike.

allanoue · December 15th, 2013, 12:15 PM

You could just take it to a locksmith now.
They have all kinds of tricks. With no house call it would not be expensive.

Bones85 · December 15th, 2013, 05:04 PM

To be more specific, how do I remove the lock cylinder? I removed all the screws, springs, etc. that I could see and I still can't get the cylinder to push out.

Motofool · December 15th, 2013, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones85

To be more specific, how do I remove the lock cylinder?......

Have you tried inserting the key and turning it?

Sorry, I don't know how to, I have not disassembled any cap.
@FrugalNinja250 has taken apart one.

This may help you:
http://forums.ninja250.org/viewtopic...alninja#790190

xaple · December 15th, 2013, 09:52 PM

If you would like tomorrow I can take a picture and show you exactly where to drill to remove that stupid ass screw. I had to take mine off the hard way and drilled a hole and took the screw out and tossed it as far as i possibly could

corksil · December 15th, 2013, 10:41 PM

+1 for taking it to a locksmith at this point. Very cheap for them to look at and fix, free advice which might be something very simple that you've overlooked.

Not to harp on a dead issue, but you may have shot yourself in the foot when you tried to 'wet' lube the lock. In my experience, stuck locks respond negatively to liquid lubricants. Some dry graphite powder can do wonders, but whenever I've sprayed a liquid into a stubborn lock, the pins tended to stick more.

Happy locks operate dry, and once you add some liquid, you might as well have just packed it with peanut butter because they get all pasty inside unless you can wash them thoroughly with a part cleaner, let them dry out, and add a dry lube such as graphite.

I've picked a few locks, that's the extent of my experience.

Bones85 · December 16th, 2013, 03:16 PM

Fixed it. I follow this guide. Sprayed Break Free CLP in the crack and let it soak overnight and finally was able to turn the lock with the key. It now feels a lot smoother.

I don't have to worry about being stranded now if the lock ever does fail again because I'll be able to just remove the six allen key bolts and take the cap off.

cuong-nutz · December 16th, 2013, 03:50 PM

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=151544

Skullz · December 16th, 2013, 08:52 PM

WD40 and any other petrol lube can cause more problems than they will solve on locks, so it is best to use something like (lock ease) in a spray form on all your locks to keep them working like new. I went to napa auto and got the napa brand of lock ease and did all my locks on my bike and car to keep them working through the winter months.

xaple · December 16th, 2013, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skullz

WD40 and any other petrol lube can cause more problems than they will solve on locks, so it is best to use something like (lock ease) in a spray form on all your locks to keep them working like new. I went to napa auto and got the napa brand of lock ease and did all my locks on my bike and car to keep them working through the winter months.

What this guy said, plus if you didnt even take apart the lock mechanism the lube isnt going to get where it needs to go and it WILL seize up again. Take the whole lock apart and put proper oil lubrication

December 14th, 2013, 07:10 AM	#1
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	Gas cap won't open I went to fill up at a local gas station here and was surprised to find out that my gas cap won't open I rode home and sprayed WD40 and Teflon lubricant in the keyhole, pushed down on the gas cap when turning the key, and also tried my spare key that's never been used before. I still can't get the gas cap open. It feels like the key is going to snap when I turn it. Any ideas? Thanks. Edit: Fixed it. I follow this guide. Sprayed Break Free CLP in the crack and let it soak overnight and finally was able to turn the lock with the key. It now feels a lot smoother. I don't have to worry about being stranded now if the lock ever does fail again because I'll be able to just remove the six allen key bolts and take the cap off. Last futzed with by Bones85; December 17th, 2013 at 05:52 AM.

December 14th, 2013, 07:50 AM	#5
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 15th, 2013, 09:58 AM	#17
accumack ninjette.org member Name: jim Location: texas currently in Temecula Valley CA Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): honda crf230l & 2013 ninja 300se wife has Honda crf230l & honda cbr250r repsol Posts: 222	NEVER MIND. just reread your first post. Did you try pushing down on the cap while trying turn the key? I have to do that every once in a while. Last futzed with by accumack; December 15th, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Reason: reread first post

December 15th, 2013, 12:15 PM	#20
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	You could just take it to a locksmith now. They have all kinds of tricks. With no house call it would not be expensive.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 15th, 2013, 10:41 PM	#24
corksil ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: TC Location: Hawaii Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): A lot. Posts: A lot.	+1 for taking it to a locksmith at this point. Very cheap for them to look at and fix, free advice which might be something very simple that you've overlooked. Not to harp on a dead issue, but you may have shot yourself in the foot when you tried to 'wet' lube the lock. In my experience, stuck locks respond negatively to liquid lubricants. Some dry graphite powder can do wonders, but whenever I've sprayed a liquid into a stubborn lock, the pins tended to stick more. Happy locks operate dry, and once you add some liquid, you might as well have just packed it with peanut butter because they get all pasty inside unless you can wash them thoroughly with a part cleaner, let them dry out, and add a dry lube such as graphite. I've picked a few locks, that's the extent of my experience.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 14th, 2013, 07:21 AM	#2
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	does it feel like the key is going down the whole way in or is it maybe getting hung up on something that someone shoved into your keyhole?

December 14th, 2013, 07:29 AM	#3
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	It feels/looks like it's not being pushed all the way down like there's something stopping it, but I'm not 100% sure because I don't remember how it looked when it worked properly. Can anyone take a picture of their key in their gas cap from a good angle so I can see how far the key is supposed to go in?

December 14th, 2013, 07:48 AM	#4
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	When all else fails, read here. WD-40 is good stuff, yep but it's not a magic elixir and you can take that to the bank because I am from KY. I carry WD-40 with me everywhere lol. Sometimes you need something that is not for water displacement. Get you some PB Blaster and spray it in there and let it sit overnight. Then try to work it slowly back and forth. Pro Tip: The power to break free a stuck lock is not in the turn of the key, to get force with the key, take off your seat and tap the gas tank mount bolts while you turn the key back and forth. And make sure you use a rubber mallet. Good luck! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

December 14th, 2013, 07:54 AM	#6
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14

December 14th, 2013, 08:17 AM	#7
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	My key looks about the same as those pictures when it's in the gas cap. I also tried wet Teflon lubricant and I could try Dupont Chain Saver or dry teflon lube that I have. Sprayed stuff in there about two hours ago and still haven't been able to get the cap open. Last futzed with by Bones85; December 14th, 2013 at 12:24 PM.

December 14th, 2013, 01:37 PM	#10
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	I don't have any PB Blaster. I'll have to buy some if none of the stuff I have works: WD40, Dupont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant, Dupont Chain Saver, Finish Line Teflon-Plus Dry Lube, and Break-Free CLP (used for guns). Which one do you recommend?

December 15th, 2013, 08:04 AM	#12
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	Still can't get it to open. WD40/Teflon lubricant were sprayed in the keyhole over 24 hours ago. Might have to remove the gas cap.

December 15th, 2013, 09:02 AM	#15
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	Didn't work. I used a space heater for 10 minutes on the cap and heated everything enough to where it was pretty hot to the touch and then hammered the gas cap and wiggled the key back and fourth. Looks like I'm gonna have to use a drill.

December 15th, 2013, 10:08 AM	#18
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	I'm gonna try the key + hammer once more today and tomorrow and if that doesn't work then I'll use the drill. Probably means some of the gas cap parts are ruined and I'll have to buy a new one

December 15th, 2013, 11:48 AM	#19
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	Went ahead and just removed the gas cap. Now I have to figure out what's wrong with it. Not really sure how to clean the parts or what to do but hopefully that pregen guide applies to our bike.

December 15th, 2013, 05:04 PM	#21
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	To be more specific, how do I remove the lock cylinder? I removed all the screws, springs, etc. that I could see and I still can't get the cylinder to push out.

December 15th, 2013, 09:52 PM	#23
xaple ninjette.org guru Name: Daniel "God" Location: South Florida Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 326	If you would like tomorrow I can take a picture and show you exactly where to drill to remove that stupid ass screw. I had to take mine off the hard way and drilled a hole and took the screw out and tossed it as far as i possibly could

December 16th, 2013, 03:16 PM	#25
Bones85 ninjette.org member Name: Joe Location: Florida Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 206	Fixed it. I follow this guide. Sprayed Break Free CLP in the crack and let it soak overnight and finally was able to turn the lock with the key. It now feels a lot smoother. I don't have to worry about being stranded now if the lock ever does fail again because I'll be able to just remove the six allen key bolts and take the cap off.

December 16th, 2013, 03:50 PM	#26
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=151544 __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 16th, 2013, 08:52 PM	#27
Skullz ninjette.org guru Name: Ray Location: 48162 Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 450	WD40 and any other petrol lube can cause more problems than they will solve on locks, so it is best to use something like (lock ease) in a spray form on all your locks to keep them working like new. I went to napa auto and got the napa brand of lock ease and did all my locks on my bike and car to keep them working through the winter months.

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