How I Removed A Broken Locking Gas Cap - Harley Davidson

Here's what I did to remove a broken locking gas cap on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. I tried to just remove the locking mechanism and manually manipulating the catch mechanism to unscrew the gas cap. Thereby trying to save the gas cap. I was able to remove the locking mechanism, but unfortunately it appeared the locking mechanism/cylinder was too damaged and was not repairable. But I had read online from other reports, that others had some success at doing it that way. But in my case I was not able to due to the extensive damage of the interior locking mechanism/cylinder. So unfortunately I ultimately ended up having to remove the gas cap by brute force. And I then just replaced the broken gas cap with a new gas cap. But hopefully you may have better results than I did. And perhaps maybe this video might give a few pointers of how to at least start the process etc. Thank you.

Tools used:
Small flat head screwdriver
Dental Pick with 90 degree corner
Extra Large Flat Head Screwdriver

** STANDARD YOUTUBE DISCLAIMER ** I am not a professional mechanic or handyman. Methods or suggestions described therein this video may not be the only solution or methods that may be applicable to similar situations. I take no responsibility if anyone should attempt the described methods herein. Any and all actions you may take are at your own risk. As always, you are strongly recommended to be sure use all safety protocols and wear all appropriate safety gear when performing any repairs and working with tools and equipment. In addition, I am not a paid actor and I do not employ a professional video production company for these videos. So please do not comment on the quality or production of any of these videos. YouTube is a global resource that provides a free information forum to the general public to share ideas and information to help one another. So if you have a better idea or a better way to do something, rather than leave negative comments on other peoples videos, please upload your own video showing your better way - and that will help everybody out. Thank you. **

[rodneywilson]

Thanks for the information. I was able to remove the locking mechanism as suggested. It came out easy enough. Was able to push with a screw driver the metal tab that remained at the bottom of the hole/shaft. Turned the gas cap counter-clock-wise while pressing the metal tab with the end of the screw driver until it grabbed and the cap came off.

[nameomitted]

I just got a 2000 FLSTC yesterday. It was on empty.

I could not get the cap off.

Went home, found this video and watched only as far as 0:38.

So that's why it came with so many keys!

[lucahd]

you are a genius .. I had the same problem today, you saved me !!

[Marc-itrm]

Thanks for the tutorial, you help me more than expected, good job

[tannerzimmerman]

Has anyone been able to get it off without breaking it, and was it needed to pop out the lock mechanism if you popped off the cap anyways? Trying to find the best way at going at mine.

[christophernull]

harleys cost so much and their shit fails over and over ! Why cant they make a reliable motorcycle for the price they charge. I think I know the answer and it's BS

[Francesco-qbdj]

Hello! just bought I tank cap, I tried to see how it worked. when turning the key too much I unscrewed the pawl (release mechanism with key). I reinserted the pawl following a guide, and it seems to work. Do you think I could have broken it?

PS I used google translatep

[jayden_rico]

The catch mechanism in my lock seems to be broken. Not entirely sure what it’s supposed to catch either. Any tips?

[crackerjack]

Already had a bad feeling but after seeing this. I just went out to the garage and put my stock HD cap back on. Id rather deal with stolen gas or debris added than this

[TheFarmerfitz]

I have a 79 ford truck that has locking gas caps... One I can get off the other no... No key... Will this same method work on it? I don't care if I wreck it, I'll just put a normal cap on it...

[guychart]

That whole cylinder comes rite out with the key.
There's a certain position and it pops rite out
Just did tonight.

[Sr.D]

Mine broken after 12 years, shitty piece of crap, next one no key on it.

[robertedgell]

Can your videos be any longer for a 5 second fix.?
And FFS do we have to watch 6 minutes of your failures before you get to a solution.?
What a waste of