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Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: pjm204 on November 04, 2007, 08:15:08 PM

Title: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: pjm204 on November 04, 2007, 08:15:08 PM
I picked up a 1989 ninja this weekend and the lock cylinder for the tank cap is stuck, the key will not open it. It is the correct key. Anyone have any ideas? Should I undo all the bolts around the tank cap, and then will the whole assembly pull out? Thanks
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: philward on November 04, 2007, 08:37:38 PM
If you undo all the bolts around the cap, it still wont pull out without being unlocked.  So this isn't an answer (afaik)
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: CndnMax on November 04, 2007, 08:55:53 PM
maybe put some graphite lube in the lock, maybe wd-40 for a quick fix  :dunno_white:
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: Jughead on November 04, 2007, 10:46:32 PM
Try some home made Penetrating oil using ATF and Acetone at a 50/50 Mix.Works better than anything I've used.I read about it on another board and they tested it Against WD,Aerokroil,PB Blaster,Liquid Wrench and something Else.It was all a Controlled Experiment with Fasteners Torqued the same Amount.The Homemade stuff took way less torque to Loosen. :thumb:
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: Kasumi on November 07, 2007, 10:02:13 AM
Yea best way is to keep filling it with lube and letting it drain through.

Incidentally (reading this thread title) i meant to mention to everyone now its coming up on winter to pack a lighter into their tool bag on the bike or in their jacket pocket. If it snows or rains and you get water in your locks it will freeze and you will come to turn the key and find your lock stuck.

Normally you would be like oh darn and snap the key trying to free the stuck lock. However take your handy lighter out. Heat the key up and place it in the lock then pull it out, heat it again. And continue eventually the key will come out hot and you have unfrozen your lock!
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: Jughead on November 07, 2007, 05:12:50 PM
Usually if my locks are frozen my Doors is Frozen shut too. :laugh:
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: werase643 on November 07, 2007, 09:10:41 PM
carb cleaner in the cylinder then teflon spray to lube it....wd will also work
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: jserio on November 07, 2007, 11:15:46 PM
lubrication seems to be the solution to all life's problems doesn't it?  :laugh:
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: CndnMax on November 08, 2007, 10:52:03 AM
Quote from: jserio on November 07, 2007, 11:15:46 PM
lubrication seems to be the solution to all life's problems doesn't it?  :laugh:
Indeed it is, what would we do without lube  :laugh:
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: Jughead on November 09, 2007, 06:27:22 PM
We'd be shaZam! out of Luck. :laugh: :laugh:


Oh yeah don't rule out Bacon Grease. :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: CndnMax on November 09, 2007, 07:05:39 PM
Quote from: Jughead on November 09, 2007, 06:27:22 PM
Oh yeah don't rule out Bacon Grease. :laugh: :laugh:
Just make sure to cool it off first   :o
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: GeeP on November 09, 2007, 07:23:42 PM
(http://www.itwconsumer.com/productfiles/product_104.jpg)

10 seconds, tops.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: jserio on November 09, 2007, 10:52:23 PM
he posted the question 5 days ago, i doubt he meant frozen as in ice cold. unless he lives waaaaaay north.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: pjm204 on November 14, 2007, 05:15:17 PM
haha, yea I meant frozen from sitting too long, not from the cold. I think we all agree that lubrication is the best answer, I will give it a shot. Thanks for the input guys.
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: calamari on November 14, 2007, 08:50:31 PM
just be a real man and pop tha thing open.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: pjm204 on November 19, 2007, 05:42:35 AM
well I shot some penetrating oil in it and let it sit, still wouldn't budge. I guess I will try this a few more times, if not, I will take the tank off and bring it to a shop. This is the only thing keeping me from getting the bike running
Title: Re: Frozen lock cylinder
Post by: Jughead on November 19, 2007, 06:27:23 AM
After you lube it try Tapping on the Cylinder itself with something to Shock it a Little.