stupid question about my gas cap (2013)

Status
Not open for further replies.
Nielsen

Nielsen

Joined
Oct 2, 2013
Messages
140
Hi All: I should introduce myself. After a lifetime of old sports cars, I bought (at the tender age of 58) my first bike: a '74 Commando that hasn't turned a wheel in 12 years, but is remarkably original and in excellent nick. It was thankfully dry-stored, so once I cleaned out the carb of 12 year old fuel (the twin Amals were changed over to single) and redid the inside of the tank, it's almost ready to roll. I do have a question. The disc sealing the tank on the inside of the gas cap was very poor and I have now bought a new one. Before I wreck anything, how do I remove the old one. It is clearly that centre lug on the inside of the cap, but is the whole thing threaded? Is it just the rivet-looking centre post? Is that a hole for an Alen key--though it looks like a rivet? Here's the photo:
stupid question about my gas cap (2013)
 
That is staked over. It is a common fix to carefully drill it off and tap the hole for a screw.

You don't have to drill it out to change the seal. It is an easy slip fit.
 
Some later ones have a screw but this type is rivetted and not intended to be dismantled. You should be able to pull the rubber off and carefully fit the replacement without any further dismantling.
 
Thanks very much for that. I think I'll drill it out and tap it. The metal disc isn't exactly pretty, and I have a new one with the new rubber gasket anyway.

Forums are so wonderful. I posted this question not more than half an hour ago and..... Bingo!

Looking forward to a long association with this forum. The learning curve is steep--but I'm a reasonable old car mechanic, so it shouldn't be too bad.
 
As you say,same as below.... Drill just enough to free plates/spring etc ... Loctite on screw and away you go.



stupid question about my gas cap (2013)
 
Hm, I was able to just pick out the old seal and then pretty easy ease in a warmed oiled soft compliant new seal, in two caps so far. Do check the tiny vent path. Still don't always drool seal a full tank on rough roads so might also ask what to do to further sealing. I've filed and sanded rim but next time Hylomar and seal oil smeared. I've had mine tested a few times sideways and they still seal about as well as upright not pour out.
 
.


If you plan to drill on the cap without removing it from the tank, I suggest you wrap the tank in at least two moving blankets prior to commencing with the drilling -- to protect the paint, of course.



.
 
yep no drilling should be needed but if ya do its pretty easy to remove the cap to protect paint, metal shavings and proper drill control with cap in a vise.
 
Nielsen said:
Forums are so wonderful. I posted this question not more than half an hour ago and..... Bingo!
Click to expand...

This place is awesome. So much knowledge here. Plus a lot of fun reading.

I'm on a number of forums for other motorcycle brands (metrics) and while people are very helpful, some information can be questionable (I think it is an age and experience thing).

On this forum the only thing that sometimes makes it difficult is information overload :D
 
How do you remove the gas cap. Do you drill the pin or tap it out? Thanks
 
Be very careful with the punch and hammer. It helps if the tank is not floating around while doing it. Very easy to hurt it...
 
It needs new paint and its on the bench, but good point, I'll see if I can brace it with something, thanks.

batrider said:
Be very careful with the punch and hammer. It helps if the tank is not floating around while doing it. Very easy to hurt it...
Click to expand...
 
Getting the roll Pin out of mine was quite tough. It is difficult to strike it well while on tank and being careful not to hit tank. I should have tried to find a much longer drift rather than the Allen key I was using.

Be sure to check the tiny hole in the sealing plate for venting...these do get clogged. I used a thin piano wire to clean it out.
 
I ended up blunting a 2 1/2 in nail, then sanded it until I got the correct diameter. A little WD40 and a couple good hits was enough to get it moving. I didn't know about the breather hole, I'll have a look for it. Thanks

Tornado said:
Getting the roll Pin out of mine was quite tough. It is difficult to strike it well while on tank and being careful not to hit tank. I should have tried to find a much longer drift rather than the Allen key I was using.

Be sure to check the tiny hole in the sealing plate for venting...these do get clogged. I used a thin piano wire to clean it out.
Click to expand...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Branch
A (Stupid) Question About The N15CS And The P11
2
Replies
20
Views
3,687
Time Warp
Time Warp
Nielsen
  • Locked
stupid (?) question about battery charging
Replies
18
Views
1,059
Hobot
Hobot
M
  • Locked
Stupid question about coils
Replies
4
Views
773
L.A.B.
L.A.B.
R
  • Locked
Help me seal my gas cap!
Replies
5
Views
1,568
cash
cash
Back
Top