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Gas cap lock stuck GS 850 1980 HELP!

  • Thread starter Thread starter GS850 Touring
  • Start date Start date
G

GS850 Touring

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Well hoping to find some info here on my locking gas cap. The key rotates between 10:00 and 11:45 position only with no spring action in either direction. The bike has been sitting what I have to assume is 35 years. It was last tagged in 84. The tank has about a gallon in it when I took over, which I can still smell even though I drained it out a week ago through the petcock. Is that ever going to go away? Oh well that's a whole other topic. I assume the lock is rusted from the inside and not a key lock issue. I've soaked it with PB blaster and no lock I mean luck. I'm getting ready to pull the sender and see if I can assess the lock from there. Please and thanks in advance!
 
Let it soak a while, While turning the key use the end of a hammer handle and tap all around on the cap. This will sometime help jiggle the dogs back and eventually you can remove the cap. Maybe just one side of the cap will pkp up...grab it and wiggle / twist it off. maybe some heat to soften crud and the cap seal itself???
 
I agree with Chuck. Keep it soaking in PB, use a bit of percussion. However, what is likely stuck are the two pins that come out the sides of the cap, and they are not easily lubricated while the cap is in place.

You will NOT be able to reach anything by removing the fuel level sensor.

Before you go full gung-ho on it, you might have to consider sacrificing the cap. You might have to punch out the lock portion and use a large screwdriver to turn the mechanism against the stuck pins. The stock brass key simply won't have the strength to resist the torque necessary.

.
 
Ok thanks for the input. Yeah I'll just keep soaking it and try to tap on it. I was going to flip it over and fill it with vinegar to help loosen the actual engagement area of the 2 arms on the cap that engage to the tank. I just figured it would leak out before it had a good chance to soak and I also don't want to risk damaging the paint which is in good shape.
 
Patience as they guys said. I has success once by vibrating the cap with an orbital sander through a piece of ply and cloth.
 
Vinegar isnt a bad idea. It will dissolve corrosion and surely wont hurt in aiding the dogs to retract.
 
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