Removing fuel cap without a key

[Chrissim0612]

Hi Folks,

Does anyone know how to remove a fuel filler cap from a tank without a key. The spare tank that came with the bike has the filler cap fitted but it didn't come with a key. I've removed the Allan bolts but can't free up the mechanism. Is there any way of removing it?

Cheers

[Delboy]

I've done this in the past...get brutal with a screw driver and a hammer.
Some one else may have a better solution but it worked for me, damaged the paintwork but hey it needed painting any way

[Chrissim0612]

Cheers Delboy, I was going to resort to that but thought there must be a better way. The tanks getting painted anyway so will probably go with that!! I wonder if drilling out the mechanism would work.

[Morespeedvicar]

You want a small ish flat bladed screw driver, and a peice of thin stiff wire, put flat srewdriver into the lock a bit and put slight twist on it then put the wire into the bottom of the lock and press the wire against the spring bits in the lock barrel, run wire in and out the lock a few times and it'll undo, theres a nack to it, but its not to difficult! Impact drivers work well too, just be carefull drilling the lock sparks and petrol dont go too well together!

[Keenaz]

We did this to my bike on the weekend. The wafers were all destroyed so it was beyond picking. A mate of a mate at the track who is a locksmith used a hole punch to knock out the centre and jam it open. I got a big chunk of the lock and the spring in the tank but nothing a little shake, rattle and roll couldnt get rid of!

[Chrissim0612]

Thanks folks, I'm going to go with the screwdriver and wire option and when I get frustrated i'll batter the sh*t out of it with a hammer!! Just the usual then!! A few burst knuckles later!

[Chrissim0612]

Morespeedvicar your a legend!! Bit of fiddling and off she popped! I'll save the hammer for another day!! I owe you a beer mate!!

[Morespeedvicar]

Cool, pleased you got it sorted dude.
Cheers
Ian