| Author | Message | ||
     Hogluvr |
So I go to check the gas on my new-to-me Firebolt, lift up the latch and see a key lock. Put my key in, it won't turn? What the ?? Do I need to spin in left-hand circles or something before I put the key in? | ||
| Froggy |
Your profile says you have (had?) a 1125R before, it is the exact same gas cap, so it opens the same way. My guess is that it has been sitting for a while and seized up a bit, try spraying some graphite on your key and working it in and out of the keyhole. | ||
| Erwin8r |
...or WD40. Make sure key is full inserted, and push down a bit when you turn (but don't break the key...). Highly unlikely, but if the bike was ever wrecked or stolen/recovered, the ignition lock may be different than the fuel cap. | ||
| Froggy |
Do not use WD40, it will gum up the lock over time as dirt will stick to it. Here is a discussion about it on a lockpicking fourm: http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t= 1075 | ||
| Erwin8r |
It is good to get the mechanism free, then use whatever lubricant works for you thereafter. Merely a suggestion about what has worked for me in the past. Oh, and remember, a gas cap lock is different as it is regularly exposed to water (dripping or running through it), so the accumulation of dust or dirt is just not the same as with a door lock, for example. . | ||
| Iamarchangel |
Split the difference. Use WD40 to free it up. If it doesn't work right away, wait a couple of minutes. Afterwards, use whatever. I've tried graphite powder and white grease. I think I prefer the white grease. Best tip: once you've got it freed up, every time you stop for gas just give the key several turns to show it you care. | ||
| Erwin8r |
^^exactly what I would do. Op, any updates? | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I would avoid using graphite. I have no idea what would happen if those little carbon particles got into your fuel supply. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
I would avoid using graphite. I have no idea what would happen if those little carbon particles got into your fuel supply. Trouble seeing how this could actually happen. If the key lock is actually open to the gas, there's going be more serious problems long before that microscopic bit of graphite has time to do its potential damage. If the individual sprays the lock while it is off and held over the open tank and some graphite drips/falls in, okay, there's a more sensible way of doing that. If the individual puts so much on that it overflows and they can't get a rag on it, well, maybe they should wait until they're sober before they ride. | ||
| Erwin8r |
WD40 is so easy and makes so much sense--it is easy to apply, it WORKS for freeing-up stuck things (like lock mechanisms....), and is cheap... So, just shoot that in there and go to town... | ||
| M1combat |
Test post | ||
| M1combat |
Didn't work  | ||
| Froggy |
And go to the dealer when you need your gas cap replaced when it jams up for good. Been there, done that, good thing it was under warranty! | ||
| Hogluvr |
Success!!  Took a little of both graphite and WD40, along with a LOT of patience, but she finally untwisted and came off! Thanks again for your suggestions guys! | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I only freaked out about the graphite because my X1's gas cap has a lock on it which leads directly down into the gas. Not the best design. | ||
| Greg_e |
What about teflon dry lube like Rem-drylube http://www.remington.com/products/accessories/gun- care/cleaning-chemicals-and-oils/rem-drilube.aspx | ||
| Hogluvr |
OK, now it's stuck again!! WTF?? Has anyone else ever had this problem? | ||
| Mtnmason |
do you know any other buellers in your area? maybe try putting their cap in and see if it does the same thing. it could be a clearance issue with the locking mechanism. i suppose youve tried pushing down around the outside while turning? just my .02 | ||
| Hogluvr |
Mtnmason, I think you're on the right track. When I finally got it off the other day it turned pretty easily with the key until I put it back in, was pretty hard to turn but still functioned. I cleaned up the contact areas thinking maybe some gunk had built up and made things tighter, but that obviously didn't do the trick. Just a little frustrating, it was a beautiful day here for a change and I couldn't ride! | ||
| Bratigan |
The pins in the cylinder are walking or a spring let go. I would have it replaced or better yet have a locksmith troubleshoot it if that is possible. Also try this; flood the living piss out of the cylinder while removed when and if you can, with WD40 while the cylinder (top of the lock) is upside down. This may flush out any crap that might be there. If its a pin thing or a spring thing then you will have to have it repaired. BR | ||
| Drkside79 |
You really should have listened to Froggy about thew WD40 | ||
| Sticks |
I had a heck of a time getting my cap off once. I mean I probably fiddled around for 15 minutes or so. I finally got it off and upon close inspection found one of the little "lugs" or tabs that lock the cap into the tank was goofed up. It just had a little smeared or sort of dog ear corner. The green plastic portion of the cap. It was just enough to make it not work well. After I hit that little spot I've never had any more trouble. I am mindful about centering my cap up good when I put it back on and lock it because I think it was off a bit when I turned the key. Maybe. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
It's an ongoing scary issue, isn't it? I've turned it upside down and poured the WD-40 into it, hoping to clear out whatever gunk might be in there. I've tried dry, white, nothing. It still seems to bind. I've looked it over carefully and don't see where. I've resolved to just stick with white grease. However, remember what I posted about giving it a bunch of turns when it's out when I fill up? That seems to make a difference. Mind, I'm giving you a five year history. It it really was unresolvable, I'd get a keyless cap. | ||
| Loosegoose |
My 2008 Ulysses had a jammed key slot, so I used degreaser and left for an hour, then blew down into it with an aircompressor. Presto; it opened. .... So I dismantelled the lot and ran acetone thro' the tumblers. Then placed plumbers silicone tap grease on the small internal O-ring only. ........ Don't leave Rp7 in the tumblers, as they go sticky with time. |
