Non Locking Gas Cap

Does anybody know it there's a non locking gas cap for the SWing?

Just curious.

An Elite or Helix cap fits perfectly.

Tim

Thanks Tim! I appreciate it a lot.

I just did a search and found a new one on ebay for $8.95 with free shipping.

Thanks Again.

If you remove the two screws indicated in the photo below the locking tabs can be easily removed--I do not remember the exact procedure however it's pretty obvious once you get "in there"...

Thanks cliffyk. I'll give that a try too.

Dale N. wrote:

Thanks cliffyk. I'll give that a try too.

The advantage to cliffyk's method is that it will still APPEAR to be a locking cap...

GHM-PM wrote:

Dale N. wrote:

Thanks cliffyk. I'll give that a try too.

The advantage to cliffyk's method is that it will still APPEAR to be a locking cap...

And ... if you save the bits, you can convert it back again in the future.

I thank you all for the info. I took the locking tab out of the gas cap and it was easier than I thought it would be. I pulled the two screws and took the cap apart and the locking tab more or less just fell out of the cap. I did save the tab for possible future use too. And it only took about a whole 5 minutes to complete.
Thanks again everybody!

Daft question, but why?

Dig around and you'll find another couple of topics about the non locking gas cap. Apart from a few members thinking it's too much effort to spend a few seconds removing the key from the ignition unlocking the cap and a few more locking again after refuelling. There seems to be no creditable reason for doing it, apart from laziness.

Having read through these posts and the other fuel cap topics, all the interest in fitting a replacement non locking cap, or tinkering with the OE one is exclusively American.


In contrast we Brits are much more sensible chaps and like a locking fuel cap.

Well just to answer the question/comments from my perspective.

I've been having trouble getting the key to go in all the way and unlock the cap. I sometimes have to really "play" with it to get it to go in all the way. Luckily it hasn't gotten to the point of locking me out. Yet.

I've sprayed it down a few times with WD-40 but that hasn't helped. I've tried some thin oil with no luck. I don't know, maybe after I get the non-locking cap that I ordered I can put the original in an oil bath and let it sit for a while afterwards to drain off. Time will tell...

I don't leave my SWing in any place unattended for any length of time and it's in my garage when I'm not riding it.
Now that I've taken the locking tab out of it it still looks like a locking cap.

So, that's my reason for messing it up and making it a non-locking cap.

I have severe osteoarthritis, and removing the gas cap is a new experience in pain--even without the key in the way....

I've sprayed it down a few times with WD-40 but that hasn't helped. I've tried some thin oil with no luck. I don't know, maybe after I get the non-locking cap that I ordered I can put the original in an oil bath and let it sit for a while afterwards to drain off. Time will tell... <<<>> JMHO but adding oil = collecting dirt / dust, perhaps a good cleaning with a spray cleaner then after a good drying out a light dry graphite powder or Teflon spray. My ignition lock AND my gas cap both do this from time to time but not every time.

Thanks oldwingguy,
I'll give that a try.

I use thin smear of PTFE (Teflon) grease--wont't damage the rubber seal either:

Meldrew wrote:

Dig around and you'll find another couple of topics about the non locking gas cap. Apart from a few members thinking it's too much effort to spend a few seconds removing the key from the ignition unlocking the cap and a few more locking again after refuelling. There seems to be no creditable reason for doing it, apart from laziness.

Having read through these posts and the other fuel cap topics, all the interest in fitting a replacement non locking cap, or tinkering with the OE one is exclusively American.


In contrast we Brits are much more sensible chaps and like a locking fuel cap.

Self-righteous bunch too.

BTW, my mum was a "Brit", war bride from Sweffling, Suffolk...

cliffyk wrote:

Self-righteous bunch too.

Rather harsh there cliffy, referring there to the rest of my fellow countrymen and Silver Wing enthusiasts as a 'self-righteous bunch' for something I posted.

A previous topic on the non locking filling cap was started by someone who thought the simple act of reaching down and unlocking the filler cap was a PITA.

Now to me as a sanctimonious old git, it's rather like that other practice carried out by some of disabling an important safety feature like the side stand ignition cut out switch. Simply because they consider using the main stand a PITA too.

OK folks. Rather than use WD40 or other wet products that catch dust and grit (especially with the position of the silverwing cap) which when keys are inserted makes a grinding paste bot dissimilar to the chain use graphite powder. Can't get any then buy a pencil (or pinch one from IKEA in the UK/Europe) and draw the pencil over the key shaft.

It's safe works and doesn't freeze in winter

I'd love to be a sanctimonious old git... but not sure I can spell it without the help of a spellchecker.
:-)

Actually, I want to take the laziness to it's logical conclusion and replace the locking cap with the type that has a trap door to insert the nozzle, eliminating the need to remove the cap altogether!
Does anyone know of an automobile make and model that has a compatible cap?

Go back about 30 years 1988 Honda Civic should fit. Not sure . Doubt if anyone makes it with a door.

I did bypass my side stand switch, but still use my key to unlock the gas cap. I even cable lock my Swing to my garage post through the rear wheel. I have had two vehicles stolen, fishing gear taken from my boat, and attempted break into my storage unit.My home got broken into and items were stolen. Someone once asked why bother. No one wants a Swing. My truck was stolen by theives for a joy ride. They did so much damage that the insurance company totalled it and gave me $12k. I would rather be safe than sorry.

Oy vey! Such malevolence in paradise.

Apart from the fact that a locking cap deters thieves it also serves to prevent one leaving the cap on the petrol pump by mistake since one has to put it back on the filler to get the key out.

The only reason I started this thread was to ask about a non-locking gas cap. I didn't think it would turn into what it has. Sorry.

I just didn't want to get locked out of my tank.

I never put the gas cap on the gas/petrol pump. I stick it on the running board and put it back on when filled.

Nothing to be sorry about. Its a good question and others will learn from it. I'm going to unlock mine soon now that i know how.

Tim,
That is the problem here with tourist. They feel that they are in paradise and let their guard down. Oahu has the same problems the big cities have.

MikeO wrote:

Apart from the fact that a locking cap deters thieves it also serves to prevent one leaving the cap on the petrol pump by mistake since one has to put it back on the filler to get the key out.

MikeO,
Not sure if my cap is defective, but I am able to remove my key with the cap off. I fill my gas at home and use my fuel gauge to determine when the level is almost to the bar in the filler neck. I then remove the micro filter and top off the gas. I use a pump that requires two-D size batteries.

Oh yes, I can take the key out if I turn the cap to the 'locked' position, too, but it serves as another aide memoire, more of which I need as time passes!

Everyone figures out what works for them !

Jay.

Doesn't Helix cap work, non-locking

cotetoi wrote:

Everyone figures out what works for them !

Do they? If they did or could, then they wouldn't start a topic on here and get a variety of different views and opinions.

Gee Meldrew, I'm really sorry I started this topic. Can you ever forgive me for asking a question?

Yes.

Yes, the very reason they figure out what works for them is by asking the question and getting answers from the gurus.

Jay.

Dale N. wrote:

Gee Meldrew, I'm really sorry I started this topic. Can you ever forgive me for asking a question?

I forgive you too, Dale... I don't know why... I just do...

DickO wrote:

Dale N. wrote:

Gee Meldrew, I'm really sorry I started this topic. Can you ever forgive me for asking a question?

I forgive you too, Dale... I don't know why... I just do...      

I know why. Because I'm such a likeable guy...

Boy Dale that was a very dumb move, Now when your not looking someone can steal all 60 gals of gas out of your bike. Me I lock mine and have a armed guard stand by mine at all times.

Oh shoot i can't afford to fill that 60 gal. tank. I'll have to trade her in on a smaller scoot.

Unlocked mine today its easy.

With the price of petrol here at roughly $7.00 per US gallon (considerably more at Motorway Service areas), locking petrol caps make sense.

P.S. Even if my calculations are a bit awry, petrol here is very expensive!

MikeO wrote:

With the price of petrol here at roughly $7.00 per US gallon (considerably more at Motorway Service areas), locking petrol caps make sense.

P.S. Even if my calculations are a bit awry, petrol here is very expensive!

I see your point at $7.00 a gal.
But here in the good ol USA a lot of us carry guns and at $2.25 to $3.50 a gal very few are that are dumb enough to get shot for a few gals of gas. Thank God for guns.

ItBeMe wrote:

Thank God for guns.

I'll remind you of that quote next time someone with so called 'mental health problems' goes on a random killing spree with an assault rifle in their local high school, college, shopping mall or whatever.

Meldrew wrote:

ItBeMe wrote:

Thank God for guns.

I'll remind you of that quote next time someone with so called 'mental health problems' goes on a random killing spree with an assault rifle in their local high school, college, shopping mall or whatever.

Ok that will work for me.

Yep, not a lot of us Yanks will get on our knees and suck for $5 worth of gas...

Sidewinder Pilot wrote:

Yep, not a lot of us Yanks will get on our knees and suck for $5 worth of gas...

I believe a lot will do it for less

JB