Stuck gas cap cover
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
Stuck gas cap cover
This applies to Electra Glides, Road glides, etc.
I'd noticed for some time that the lock in the gas cap cover sometimes was a little "sticky". On the way back from Sturgis, I needed gas at the Little Bighorn stop. The lock was frozen -- no amount of effort could turn it. Fortunately, we had a Road King strapped in bed of the tow vehicle, so we swapped bikes to get into Billings. The Billings HD technician had no luck, either. We finally pried the cover open, breaking the plastic dog inside. I replaced it with the HD chrome push-button release. Seeing my experience, a fellow rider replaced the lock on his Road Glide at the same time -- costs around $24.
I like the button better than the lock, anyway, and if yours is sticking I'd highly recommend getting rid of it before you need to resort to screwdrivers.
I'd noticed for some time that the lock in the gas cap cover sometimes was a little "sticky". On the way back from Sturgis, I needed gas at the Little Bighorn stop. The lock was frozen -- no amount of effort could turn it. Fortunately, we had a Road King strapped in bed of the tow vehicle, so we swapped bikes to get into Billings. The Billings HD technician had no luck, either. We finally pried the cover open, breaking the plastic dog inside. I replaced it with the HD chrome push-button release. Seeing my experience, a fellow rider replaced the lock on his Road Glide at the same time -- costs around $24.
I like the button better than the lock, anyway, and if yours is sticking I'd highly recommend getting rid of it before you need to resort to screwdrivers.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From:
RE: Stuck gas cap cover
Had 'em put the button on when I bought the bike. I suspect the tumblers on yers "froze" from lack of lube - lots of grit kin git into it. I toss a li'l cable lube into the latch every 4-6 months...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 3
From: Parts Unkown
RE: Stuck gas cap cover
I had the same problem on my new 07 ultra, lock would stick a bit, so i put the key in the lock, put a pair of vice grips on the key, gave her good twist and i heard a loud snap. lock works fine, key still good. guess the lock needed to be rounded a bit.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
RE: Stuck gas cap cover
I didn't try that -- I was afraid of breaking the key. I did, however, form a nice blister on my right thumb trying to turn the friggin' thing! What a PITA!
ORIGINAL: Duke3838
I had the same problem on my new 07 ultra, lock would stick a bit, so i put the key in the lock, put a pair of vice grips on the key, gave her good twist and i heard a loud snap. lock works fine, key still good. guess the lock needed to be rounded a bit.
I had the same problem on my new 07 ultra, lock would stick a bit, so i put the key in the lock, put a pair of vice grips on the key, gave her good twist and i heard a loud snap. lock works fine, key still good. guess the lock needed to be rounded a bit.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,609
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From: Indy area
RE: Stuck gas cap cover
I don't know because my first Harley is a Road King. I've heard that there are no tumblers in that "lock". That any key will open it.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
RE: Stuck gas cap cover
When my bike was about 2 weeks old I had a similar problem. When I went to unlock my gas door the key did not want to turn. I finally got it open. I suppose I was lucky since I was 325 miles from home and really needed gas. When it did open the key was stuck in it and it would not lock closed. I unscrewed the lock cylinder and just rode it home. I replaced it with the push button one from HD. $24 well spent for peace of mind that this will not happen again. I took the stuck key and cylinder to the dealer and they could not get it apart either. They had two more keys made and shipped to me and also shipped me a stock key lock to take care of it under warranty.
I figure that I will keep the push button lock if I ever get rid of the Ultra (for the next Ultra).
I figure that I will keep the push button lock if I ever get rid of the Ultra (for the next Ultra).