Locked out of petrol tank (and eftpos expired) - The Story.

**Blackshear** · 1st June 2010, 20:51

So in the short space of about 20 minutes, I;

Found out something is stuck in my tanks keyhole - thus impeding the necessary turning motion, opening the eating cavity, begging to be fed.
Blast, only 5-10k's left on the guess-o-meter. Not going to make it to work!

Carry on towards the supermarket, because food in the morning is more important than getting to work early, yes?
I even treated myself to some wildberry sorbet, choritzo's and smoked almonds.
Swipe the onecard, fuck yes $4.55 savings, swipe eftpos, DECLINED/EXPIRED. Thanks ANZ, for being so prompt with my new card I asked for 2 weeks ago to avoid exactly this.

Thank god I didn't get two tyres and a chain straight after work.

TL;DR

How the fuck do I get whatever it may be impeding the full key plunge, out of the goddamn key hole? I've tried a strong magnet on the end of a paper clip, but that's pretty much my list done.

**FJRider** · 1st June 2010, 21:02

CRC sprayed in ... a bit of lube, and may blast any shit out as well ...

**Blackshear** · 1st June 2010, 21:27

Originally Posted by FJRider

CRC sprayed in ... a bit of lube, and may blast any shit out as well ...

To no avail.
The key turns half way, and a latch is catching or not catching somewhere in the assembly. Not that I can buy petrol ha ha, but still, rather infuriating.

**FJRider** · 1st June 2010, 21:54

Originally Posted by Blackshear

To no avail.
The key turns half way, and a latch is catching or not catching somewhere in the assembly. Not that I can buy petrol ha ha, but still, rather infuriating.

Boiling water in the key hole sometimes helps (expands the internal parts) ... with a bit of CRC after its cooled down. Keep working the key back and forward ... dont break/bend the key though ..

**Blackshear** · 1st June 2010, 22:43

Originally Posted by FJRider

Boiling water in the key hole sometimes helps (expands the internal parts) ... with a bit of CRC after its cooled down. Keep working the key back and forward ... dont break/bend the key though ..

Gave it a last attempt with your idea, but still nothing. Goddamnit. Saw my pushbike lurking in the garage, then noticed a flat goddamn tyre. Maybe the forces that be are giving me a sign.

'Chris, do not go to work tomorrow!'

**reemit** · 1st June 2010, 22:54

Originally Posted by Blackshear

it may be impeding the full key plunge,

Its farked, drill the bugger out.

**slofox** · 1st June 2010, 22:55

Don't bother buying a lottery ticket today...

**shafty** · 1st June 2010, 23:36

Originally Posted by Blackshear

Gave it a last attempt with your idea, but still nothing. Goddamnit. Saw my pushbike lurking in the garage, then noticed a flat goddamn tyre. Maybe the forces that be are giving me a sign.

'Chris, do not go to work tomorrow!'

Or "Chris, look after your gear"

**davereid** · 2nd June 2010, 08:44

Compressed air might dislodge whatever is causing the problem. Of course, it may be that someone has forced something in there...

**Mully** · 2nd June 2010, 08:52

Your only option is to disconnect the fuel hose on the bottom of the tank and fill it from the bottom.

You might want to get a funnel, it's a bit of a tight squeeze.

**Devil** · 2nd June 2010, 10:21

It is a possibility it's not the keyhole, but the actualy lock/catch. While turning the key with one hand, firmly push down on the whole gas cap with the other.

**Blackshear** · 2nd June 2010, 10:22

It turns out I had it all wrong.
After using a flathead screwdriver to pop open the flap, I found myself deep in the exciting parts.

I think this fucked ball bearing retainer (Above larger ball bearing) was jammed somewhere in the 'locking pin cup', and would only let the locking pins retract half way.

Re-bend cap, re-insert, works like it did the last time I filled up, SUCCESS!
Only took about 20 minutens, horrah! Now to ride around all day with a migraine and get an eftpos card!

On an unrelated note, this HTC HD2 isn't that shit hot at taking pictures.