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

If you undo all the bolts around the cap, it still wont pull out without being unlocked.  So this isn't an answer (afaik)

maybe put some graphite lube in the lock, maybe wd-40 for a quick fix 

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.

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!

Usually if my locks are frozen my Doors is Frozen shut too.

carb cleaner in the cylinder then teflon spray to lube it....wd will also work

lubrication seems to be the solution to all life's problems doesn't it? 

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? 

Indeed it is, what would we do without lube 

We'd be shaZam! out of Luck.


Oh yeah don't rule out Bacon Grease.

Quote from: Jughead on November 09, 2007, 06:27:22 PM
Oh yeah don't rule out Bacon Grease.

Just make sure to cool it off first   

10 seconds, tops.   

he posted the question 5 days ago, i doubt he meant frozen as in ice cold. unless he lives waaaaaay north. 

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.

just be a real man and pop tha thing open. 

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

After you lube it try Tapping on the Cylinder itself with something to Shock it a Little.