Gascap problems

[Leos_5037]

Hopefully someone can help me out. The problem I'm having is that my gascap is stuck and wont allow the key to turn all the way to the right in order to put gas in it. It's sat outside for about a month and its rained twice since then. (I know I know...I shouldve taken care of it better :^( ) My quesstion is. Will WD40 ruin my motorcycle in any way if I spray the gascap with a bit of it? What would you all reccomend I do if Im not allowed to spray WD40 on it?

[Chuck]

I had the same thing with my ignition switch.  Same deal, out in the rain with no cover.

Well I assume you have that red straw that comes with your WD40 can, so if you use that, you can focus it where it belongs.  I don't think it will hurt anything.  I like WD40 if something's rusted, otherwise, I think Dura Lube or generic brand white lithium works great.

Whatever you spray in there, let it sit for a while and "soak in" then put your key in and work it back and forth a few times just to get the moving parts moving again.  You'll be fine.

[JMyrick]

Maybe just me but I would use the Lithium if by chance any of the WD40 as small it might be (may not make a diffrence) but I think WD40 is very explosive if it gets mixed in with any gas you have left

Joe :dunno:

[Leos_5037]

Thanks for the tips, guys. This "Lithium" that you mentioned. Is that the brand name?

[dgyver]

WD40 will not hurt the paint. I never really cared for the product, just does not last. Good for removing sticker residue though.

I prefer Liquid Wrench w/ teflon instead. I use it on all my lock that stay outside and they do not give me any problems.

[callmelenny]

Thanks for the tips, guys. This "Lithium" that you mentioned. Is that the brand name?

White Lithium is a type of grease not a brand. It usually comes in  tube and has a consistency similar to toothpaste w/out the grit of course.

I used it on the locks on my GS500 which had been sitting 2 yrs when I bought it. I just squeezed a little on the key and then worked in and out of the lock several times.

The only downside is the stuff attracts sand and dirt so use it sparingly.

[Roadstergal]

Lithium grease is a lubricant.  WD-40 is a penetrating water displacing agent.  These two substances serve two different functions.  Each will not do a good job at doing the other substance's function.

It won't hurt if a little WD-40 gets in the gas.  You shouldn't dump it in the tank, but a couple of drops that might leak in won't cause any problems.  Spray it on, let it sink in, try to jiggle the lock loose again.  Once it's working, let it dry, then lubricate it with a little graphite to keep it in good working order (graphite is a dry lubricant, and won't get goopy and attract crud like a lot of lubes, including lithium, will, so it's good for locks).  Wipe off any WD-40 that gets on the paint, then give it a fresh wash and wax.  Sounds like it could use it anyway.

[Leos_5037]

Wow! That WD40 does miracles. I let it soak for about ten seconds, put the key in and bam. It opened. Thanks for the tips, guys! Now to get that pipe rust off the ole bike.