Author Topic: Dumb question ahead... How do I get fuel out of the tank when the cap is locked?  (Read 1125 times)

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Offline daewon774

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Hey all, I picked up a CB recently without keys.  The tank cap is locked.  I hear about half gallon of fuel swashing around inside the tank.  Since I can't drill the cap out without an explosion, I tried removing the petcock to let the fuel flow out.  Nothing is dripping out.  How can I get the fuel out of this tank so I can start on taking this cap off?  It's off a 81' CB650 btw.
76' CB550
11' Ducati 848 EVO

Offline Gorms

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Switch the petcock to reserve and see if the gas comes out.

Offline TwoTired

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I'm not sure about the 650's, but just about any key or screwdriver will open earlier gas caps.


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Offline daewon774

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I'm not sure about the 650's, but just about any key or screwdriver will open earlier gas caps.




lol, i haven't tried breaking into it yet.  I should try this...
76' CB550
11' Ducati 848 EVO

Offline kopptl

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remove the petcock completely then slosh as much to that side to dum pit out!!! hope that helps!

Offline daewon774

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remove the petcock completely then slosh as much to that side to dum pit out!!! hope that helps!

thats exactly what i did but i hear gas still in there.  I would have to guess quite a bit too. Is it negative pressure since the cap is still on?  I just can't shake it out.
76' CB550
11' Ducati 848 EVO

Offline Slayer

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There are lots of high and low spots. Shake the S out of it

Offline chips1953

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Like tt says if the bike has a flat cover over the fuel cap any gently inserted screwdriver will open it, gently.
CB750 F1 1976

Offline MickeyX

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Why not just get some keys made? the cut code should be there.
1969 CL350 Scrambler... almost done!!! Well, until something else goes wrong. :)
2006 HD 883 Sportster, stock. No use changing it, it's still gonna be a Harley.

Offline daewon774

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Why not just get some keys made? the cut code should be there.

wtf, I didn't know that.  Who would I take the code to?  Is this a universal code that all key makers use, or do I go to a Honda dealer with this code.  Also, where is the code located, inside the lock or can I see it from the tank?  I also have the ignition on the frame if I need to dig inside that to get the code.
76' CB550
11' Ducati 848 EVO

Offline MickeyX

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If you have a helmet lock on yet, that is the easiest to get to. It's on the back of it. But yeah, it should also be on the ignition as well. Any decent locksmith place can look it up and cut one for you. Just call around and tell them what you have. Our guy charges us around $10-15 for these old ones and to look it all up. It's worth it to have some spares around too.
1969 CL350 Scrambler... almost done!!! Well, until something else goes wrong. :)
2006 HD 883 Sportster, stock. No use changing it, it's still gonna be a Harley.

Offline Derby City

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If you don't have any keys at all, maybe try hondakeys.com
1974 CB 550

Offline MickeyX

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So, did you get keys made yet? If you can't get them near you or from honda keys, I can have the key dude here make some for you. You just need to have the correct key code. The code includes the cut and the type of key as a description. Then you will have one for the ignition and helmet lock too. Just let me know if I can help.  :)
1969 CL350 Scrambler... almost done!!! Well, until something else goes wrong. :)
2006 HD 883 Sportster, stock. No use changing it, it's still gonna be a Harley.