Cant remove gas cap
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 199
Likes: 3
From: Canada
Cant remove gas cap
Hey guys
I was about to add some fuel stabilizer to the tanks on my 87 Heritage today.
The left cap will not release, and clicks when turning. I know they are supposed to click when tightening them, but this cap is not coming off for me.
I would like suggestions on how to remove it without doing any damage to the tank. I think the cap has worn out, or broken some how. The cap just floats around, but the threaded plastic piece is holding on good and tight.
Idea,s ?
I was about to add some fuel stabilizer to the tanks on my 87 Heritage today.
The left cap will not release, and clicks when turning. I know they are supposed to click when tightening them, but this cap is not coming off for me.
I would like suggestions on how to remove it without doing any damage to the tank. I think the cap has worn out, or broken some how. The cap just floats around, but the threaded plastic piece is holding on good and tight.
Idea,s ?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 210
Likes: 12
From: Colorado
I had the same trouble with my '99. My wife said "maybe they're left-hand threads".
I said "Why would they do that?" and then tried it. She was right, as much as I hated to admit it.
But the question remains; WHY?
I said "Why would they do that?" and then tried it. She was right, as much as I hated to admit it.
But the question remains; WHY?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 2
From: Florida
never mind.....the idiot got on the keyboard.
Last edited by bluharley; Nov 6, 2013 at 02:51 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,420
Likes: 7,118
From: Beyond Fucital
No, the reason is, the left side isn't vented the right side is. So when it's full and on the jiffy stand it won't leak and it'll equalize fuel level. Reverse threaded so you can't screw it up.
Last edited by RANGER73; Nov 6, 2013 at 01:03 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 210
Likes: 12
From: Colorado
No, the reason is, the left side isn't vented the right side is. So when it's full and on the jiffy stand it won't leak. Reverse threaded so you can't screw it up.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,420
Likes: 7,118
From: Beyond Fucital
I fill the left, then top off the right side until gas is at the the bottom of the bung hole (ya, that's what it's called) on the left.
If your left side (clutch side) is leaking your either over filling, or your cap gasket is bad.
Also try pushing down on the cap for a final twist after it starts clicking.
Or get aftermarket caps, that's what I did, the stock caps rattled and drove me crazier.
If your left side (clutch side) is leaking your either over filling, or your cap gasket is bad.
Also try pushing down on the cap for a final twist after it starts clicking.
Or get aftermarket caps, that's what I did, the stock caps rattled and drove me crazier.
Last edited by RANGER73; Nov 6, 2013 at 01:00 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 210
Likes: 12
From: Colorado
That's the way I filled it. I'll check out the gasket.
I kind of like my caps because they match the air filter cover and the light hoods, with the gold flames. But they do rattle, so I'll look into new caps.
Thanks for the info.
I kind of like my caps because they match the air filter cover and the light hoods, with the gold flames. But they do rattle, so I'll look into new caps.
Thanks for the info.