Log in

View Full Version : Fuel cap stuck



alastabesta
10th January 2009, 10:40
Hi all,

Its been just over one year since I last topped up the fuel tank and just found out today that the fuel cap is stuck, couldn't get it to open. Would anyone care to give me some advice on how to crank it open please? The bike is a Kawasaki GPX and its been garaged most of the year with very minimal ride for the last 6 months.

Thanks so much!

Andrew

FROSTY
10th January 2009, 16:37
aMAZING FUEL ECONOMY DUDE :2thumbsup:2thumbsup
But seriously dude
The lock on the tank is a simple latch like a mini house door latch.
Either the lock barrel has seized up from moisture exposure or the latch itself has rust welded itself to the lip of the tank.
First thing to try is WD40 penatrating oil in the lock barrel and all around it.you might find youll be able to wiggle the key and start things freeing up. Id sparay some in at night and come back next night to see what happened. --Use the key to push the barrels around inside the lock.
If that doesn't work you should be able to remove the whole cap by undooing the 7 allen bolts around the cap and then lifting the BACK side of the whole thing--it looks like theres JUST enough room to do it

98tls
10th January 2009, 16:38
Not familar with the fuel cap on a GPX but if it hasnt got an edging plate with bolts to undo then i would partly insert key and spray some CRC or similar in there and leave to do its thing for a day or 2.

FROSTY
10th January 2009, 16:42
sorry Um I've got a gpx sitting 2.0m from me so I had a looksee

98tls
10th January 2009, 16:52
sorry Um I've got a gpx sitting 2.0m from me so I had a looksee LOL thats what i meant Frosty,ive never seen a GPX petrol cap,we posted at the same time.

Ixion
10th January 2009, 16:54
Fuell cap stuck? Nothing five minutes with a gas axe won't fix.

98tls
10th January 2009, 17:00
Fuel cap stuck? Nothing five minutes with a gas axe won't fix. Be sure to suck the gas out with a vacuum cleaner first.:dodge:

motorbyclist
10th January 2009, 21:20
what's the bet it wont start cause the carbies are all full of varnish anyway?

Rodney007
10th January 2009, 21:23
is there no allum keys around it kinda thingy?

FJRider
10th January 2009, 21:33
Sometimes when boiling water is poured over the lock, which causes the lock internals to expand, thus breaking the grip of the parts sticking. CRC sprayed in afterwards to dispell the water.

_STAIN_
10th January 2009, 21:36
push back edge of cap down firmly, while turning key

motorbyclist
10th January 2009, 22:17
and if all else fails, hit it with a hammer


to break the thing free, of course...

FJRider
10th January 2009, 22:22
and if all else fails, hit it with a hammer


And if that doesn't work... get a bigger hammer...

motorbyclist
10th January 2009, 23:15
and if THAT doesn't work....


read the manual:bleh:

Winston001
11th January 2009, 00:09
Had the same problem with my R80 after 11 years of storage. And there aren't any allen screws or such to remove. :eek5: Used copious amounts of CRC, lots of bad language, a rubber mallet, and time. Just kept going back to it over a few days and wriggling the key, giving it a tap etc. Suddenly I realised I'd opened it. :rockon:

hayd3n
11th January 2009, 01:09
once your in use graphite to keep well lube its dry and really fine will not damage your tank / carbs

FJRider
11th January 2009, 01:15
and if THAT doesn't work....


read the manual:bleh:

That usually says ... take it to your local dealer. (real bikers don't need instructions... from a manual)

alastabesta
11th January 2009, 09:01
thanks so much for the replies guys~
i will try all the solutions offered (hmm maybe not the hammer bit :sweatdrop) and see what happenes~

thanks once again :yes: