gas tank not opening

so after all the carb work i did last night the bike still wouldnt start so i took them off again to check everything out, and when i took the tank off i noticed it was a bit low on fuel so i was going to add more just in case it wasnt getting good levels. but i can not get the fill cap to open. it seems like the key is not turning all the way and only unlocking one side of the cap. the key will not turn the whole 90 degrees in the cap. no matter what i tried nothing will pop it, not even prying it up with a screw driver, and ive tried turning it hard btu now my key seems to be bending a bit, and see as it is my only key i dont want to break it. any one have any helpful hints or suggestions on how i may be able to pop the sucker?

 

Sometimes I have to push the cap down as I am turning the key because the spring mechanism is pushing up binding the mechanism.

 

Same with mine. Try pressing down then turn the key.

 

Agree with pushing down. Also, dowse it with wd40 or Marvel's Mystery Oil, and I highly suggest getting that key duplicated. Rub the duplicate down with high grit sandpaper to smooth it out, spray dry silicone lube in the keywhole, and you'll be able to put more force into turning it that with your original key.

After that, you may want to rebuild it. http://www.xj4ever.com/gas%20cap.pdf

 

thanks guys, did finally get it off by pushing down (really hard!) checked it out once i got it off and everything seems to be in place i think the inside just need some lubricating or something? with the latch assembly off the key turns very smoothly but once i put it back on then it doesnt want to turn. what type of grease could be used or can i by a new one that maybe has an upgraded type of metal or latch assembly. i really dont want to put it back on as i am afraid i may never get ti off again, like i said it was REALLY hard to get off even when pushing down

 

Disassemble the bottom part of the locking mechanism and clean/lube the springs and latch. I had good luck with kroil. It is really not that complicated, just take your time and keep track of details.

 

no on the WD-40(its not really a lube, it gums up over time), yes on the MMO

 

The WD-40 would be just to get it open. I use a dry silicone spray for lube for anything tied to keys or locking mechanisms.

 

ok so i removed my lock housing and sanded smooth all the sides in hopes that it would make things glide easier, which helped a bit, and it seemed to turn fully when in my hand and not attached, so i put it on. yah it apparently wasnt quite enough to have it open again, so once again its stuck on my tank... thinking i may have to buy a rebuild kit...

 

Graphite in the keyed cylinder and Tr-Flow synthetic grease for the spring latch mechanism


The cap on my Seca used to seize up on me at least once a year until I started using the Tri-Flow. I can't remember who it was but one of the members here turned me on to Tri-Flow.

BTW, Do get a duplicate key made. The factory keys are flimsy by comparison.