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Author Topic: I need a key for my gas cap?  (Read 1374 times)

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tunker2

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I need a key for my gas cap?
« on: May 30, 2008, 01:50:16 PM »
OK, this is bad but I have been carrying around a pair of needle-nose pliers to unlock my gas cap lock on my 1976 CB550K for the last month. Although I am willing to both recognize and appreciate the "ghetto-ness" of this, there has to be a better way. The person I bought the bike from gave me one key and one key only. Am I missing something? Should I have been given some sort of "chuck key" or can I find one somewhere?

Please be gentle with your responses to this lame question; I might have a tough exterior, but I am just a delicate flower on the inside....  ???
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Offline Gordon

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2008, 01:53:30 PM »
Your ignition key will work.  In fact, you don't need any key to open the gas cap lock, as you've discovered with the pliers.  Basically anything that will fit in the key slot will work. 
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #2 on: May 30, 2008, 01:56:15 PM »
Any key the will fit the slot should work,  Maybe it needs a WD-40 squirt in there.

What are doing with the pliers to open it?
....

That's it Gordon!  I'm send Bruno around to break your fingers!




 ;D
« Last Edit: May 30, 2008, 02:05:40 PM by TwoTired »
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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline mattcb350f

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2008, 02:01:28 PM »
Push down a little on the gas cap when you turn the "key or whatever" to open it.

Takes the pressure of the mechanism and makes it a little easier to turn.

 Matt.
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1974 CB350F,  1980 CB125S,  1981 XL80S
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Offline Gordon

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2008, 02:06:29 PM »
Quote from: TwoTired on May 30, 2008, 01:56:15 PM

That's it Gordon!  I'm send Bruno around to break your fingers!

Can I keep my pinkies, PLEASE?!!! ;D


Quote from: mattcb350f on May 30, 2008, 02:01:28 PM
Push down a little on the gas cap when you turn the "key or whatever" to open it.


That's good advice.  Not only will it keep you from bending your key, but it will make the latch mechanism last a lot longer. 
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tunker2

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2008, 02:07:14 PM »
It has what looks like the male version of a chuck head on it. Similar to a fireplace gas turn-on / turn-off on your wall. You have to grab it with needle nose pliers and turn it in order to pop the cap open. Wait, the short-bus just went by... damn I missed it again.

Serious, I don't see how my ignition key would work here. Can someone fly to Colorado Springs and kick my ass for being this lame? I'll even spring for the ticket.
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #6 on: May 30, 2008, 02:08:20 PM »
Better post a pic.
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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline Gordon

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #7 on: May 30, 2008, 02:09:58 PM »
Sounds like you might be missing part of the latch.  Either that or you have some weird home-made job on there. 
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tunker2

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #8 on: May 30, 2008, 02:13:59 PM »
I just took the advice from mattcb350f (thank you Matt!) with regards to pushing down while using my ignition key and it worked fine. I think the problem was that it's old (tight) and there was just too much pressure. As such, it was bending my key before it was actually turning and that did not seem normal to me. I ASSumed it required a chuck-type key.

Thanks very much everyone. I can't tell you how much this forum has helped me in the past few weeks (since joining). It is WAY easier asking dumb questions when you don't have to look at that person in the face.

Enjoy the weekend...
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Offline Gordon

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #9 on: May 30, 2008, 02:18:42 PM »
Hell, you're only in the Springs.  You may just have to look me in the face some day! ;D
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Offline kghost

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #10 on: May 30, 2008, 02:32:56 PM »
Quote from: Gordon on May 30, 2008, 02:18:42 PM
Hell, you're only in the Springs.  You may just have to look me in the face some day! ;D

Poor guy..... ;D
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tunker2

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #11 on: May 30, 2008, 02:42:23 PM »
Hey Gordon,

I noticed the 1976 CB550K in your gallery (both the before and after pics). I have the exact same bike (in my gallery) and am trying to keep it original but like the cafe-style as well. Your bike looks stock with the expception being the clubman bars, chopped front fender and black tank / side covers. I went with drag bars and ran the wires in them which was a pain in the keester and aside from the MAC exhaust, it's all stock. I am debating the clubman's right now. How do you like them and is there anything else you did to your bike to modify it?

Thanks. 
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Offline Gordon

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Re: I need a key for my gas cap?
« Reply #12 on: May 30, 2008, 03:23:01 PM »
Quote from: tunker2 on May 30, 2008, 02:42:23 PM
Hey Gordon,

I noticed the 1976 CB550K in your gallery (both the before and after pics). I have the exact same bike (in my gallery) and am trying to keep it original but like the cafe-style as well. Your bike looks stock with the expception being the clubman bars, chopped front fender and black tank / side covers. I went with drag bars and ran the wires in them which was a pain in the keester and aside from the MAC exhaust, it's all stock. I am debating the clubman's right now. How do you like them and is there anything else you did to your bike to modify it?

Thanks. 

I hated the clubmans.  Tried them on the 750 and the 550, and it's a very uncomfortable riding position with the stock foot peg positions.  I switched to drag bars on the 550 and I really like them. 

Pretty much all of the changes I made to the 550 (except the handlebars) were done because of cosmetic issues that the bike came to me with.  The paint was very badly faded and cracking, the front portion of the front fender was badly dented, and it had a hideous king/queen seat on it.  So I painted it, chopped off the front of the fender, and put on a new seat.  Other than that the only change from stock are the lowering blocks on the shocks and a UNI foam air filter.   
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