Could not open my fuel cap

Gfortunes · April 30th, 2011, 02:43 PM

2010 SE last week I was headed to work (45 miles away) and I had a little under a 1/4 tank of gas so I stopped to fill up for probably the 3rd time this year. My bike is garage kept and has not seen rain or been washed this year but when I went to open the fuel cap at the gas station it was almost like I was using the wrong key it would not open. I did not have enough gas to get to work and back home so I had to turn around and come home and take the cage to work.

I called the dealer on the way to work and he said that the pins/tumblers may be stuck on the gas cap lock. he told me to use graphite lubricant and slide the key in and out several times.

This fixed the problem and I have not had trouble with it since. It was a ver concerning situation to find myself in but would have been much worse had I been on a long road trip away from home and not able to get home because of it.

From this point forward I will be maintaining my ignition and gas cap with graphite lock lubricant on a regular basis.

Just wanted to share incase anyone else has the same problem they will hopefully not freak out as much as I did.

Gear up and ride safe

kkim · April 30th, 2011, 03:16 PM

I find graphite based lubes a mess and have taken to lubing all my switches and lock mechanisms with a teflon based lube called Tri-flow.

RedCromwell · April 30th, 2011, 05:23 PM

Thanks for the heads up. Something else to add to my shopping list.

setasai · April 30th, 2011, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

I find graphite based lubes a mess and have taken to lubing all my switches and lock mechanisms with a teflon based lube called Tri-flow.

Would dupont's teflon multi purpose lube work the same way?

kkim · April 30th, 2011, 06:00 PM

it might... never tried it, but when I compare the Dupont to the Tri flow, the Tri flow leaves almost no extra white stuff, dries clear and, to me, helps parts slide together really well and covers for a reasonable amount of time.

The Dupont, however, is a much better than the Tri flow when used as a chain lube.

Try the Dupont in your locks switches and see how it does.

The graphite based lubes leaves a nasty black residue on the keys and while it may not seem like a problem, try getting some on your hands or clothes.

k-os · April 30th, 2011, 06:02 PM

Did you try pressing the cap down while turning it, before you lubed it. Sometimes it helps to do this.

April 30th, 2011, 02:43 PM	#1
Gfortunes love to ride Name: George Location: Bloomington, IN Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Ebony/Candy Persimon Red Posts: 53	Could not open my fuel cap 2010 SE last week I was headed to work (45 miles away) and I had a little under a 1/4 tank of gas so I stopped to fill up for probably the 3rd time this year. My bike is garage kept and has not seen rain or been washed this year but when I went to open the fuel cap at the gas station it was almost like I was using the wrong key it would not open. I did not have enough gas to get to work and back home so I had to turn around and come home and take the cage to work. I called the dealer on the way to work and he said that the pins/tumblers may be stuck on the gas cap lock. he told me to use graphite lubricant and slide the key in and out several times. This fixed the problem and I have not had trouble with it since. It was a ver concerning situation to find myself in but would have been much worse had I been on a long road trip away from home and not able to get home because of it. From this point forward I will be maintaining my ignition and gas cap with graphite lock lubricant on a regular basis. Just wanted to share incase anyone else has the same problem they will hopefully not freak out as much as I did. Gear up and ride safe

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April 30th, 2011, 03:16 PM	#2
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	I find graphite based lubes a mess and have taken to lubing all my switches and lock mechanisms with a teflon based lube called Tri-flow.

April 30th, 2011, 05:23 PM	#3
RedCromwell ninjette.org member Name: Alan Location: Delaware, USA Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250 Posts: 221	Thanks for the heads up. Something else to add to my shopping list.

April 30th, 2011, 06:00 PM	#5
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	it might... never tried it, but when I compare the Dupont to the Tri flow, the Tri flow leaves almost no extra white stuff, dries clear and, to me, helps parts slide together really well and covers for a reasonable amount of time. The Dupont, however, is a much better than the Tri flow when used as a chain lube. Try the Dupont in your locks switches and see how it does. The graphite based lubes leaves a nasty black residue on the keys and while it may not seem like a problem, try getting some on your hands or clothes.

April 30th, 2011, 06:02 PM	#6
k-os ninjette.org sage Name: Andy Location: Sheboygan, WI Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 1988 Honda Hawk NT650, 1989 Honda Hawk NT650, 1997 GSXR750 Track Bike Posts: 890	Did you try pressing the cap down while turning it, before you lubed it. Sometimes it helps to do this.