Hello, all:
Is there an easy way to disassemble the gas cap to inspect the locking
function? I can turn the key in mine, but, it never locks (spins free?). I
notice that there are three tabs on the inside surface of the red portion
that the white portion rides on. I've tried to lever the white portion up
over these, but, something seems to be holding it all together. Any
information would really be appreciated.
TIA
Michael L.
1986.5 Prussian Blue Metallic AT/LSD
========
To get the gas cap apart you need to immerse it in very hot water to make it
more flexible then using three hands pry on all three " Tabs" . Once
inside
you will find a broken bit which of course is not available as a separate
part ....
Jim Bailey
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Hi Michael,
Don't know if you'd already disassembled the gas cap, but I just did that
a couple weeks ago - with the cap on the fuel tank! I used a 1/8 inch
flat blade screwdriver with a square shank( it doesn't bend as bad as the
round shank) to pry the tabs one at a time. You have to use a little
persuasion, though. I was worried about deforming the red part, but it
seemed to get back to its original shape.
Once the tabs have cleared the white part, push on the keyhole to separate
the red and white part. I wish I knew how to call them:)
Good luck!
R de Guzman
===========
Hi All,
One quick question for the Rennlisters out there. Is there a fairly
simple way of replacing the lock cylinder in a gas cap? My old gas
cap stopped locking properly, so I bought a new one w/ key. Can I swap out the
new lock for the old one? Anything to avoid carrying another big 928 key around
:)
Thanks.
Paul
'88 S4 auto w/ LSD
----------
Paul,
Re-keying the gas cap lock is actually pretty simple. The trick is getting the
thing apart without breaking the plastic. The inner (white) part of the gas cap
snaps into the red outer shell. You will have to find yourself something thin
and flexible and slide it between the outer and inner shell. I use a couple of
plastic shims that also are useful for removing a windshield without cracking
it.
You might consider heating the cap a little before starting on it and wearing
gloves. I think 200 degree F is probably reasonable. Either wrap it in plastic
and boil it or put it in an oven. Heating will expand the outer shell and make
it more flexible. Now we can have a debate of how much the inner shell will
expand.
Once you are free of the tabs holding the two pieces together the inner part
just slides out. From there it will be easy to see how to remove the cylinder.
You can just take the tumblers out and swap them around. There are four
different sizes and I believe the gas cap lock is not fully populated. Just make
sure the little - hell tiny - springs remain in the cylinder since they are what
makes the lock work.
You can try to just swap the cylinder from the old cap, but the tumbles can get
worn and not all cylinders are the same.
On trick to remove a cap that is stuck on and just spinning or locked and you do
not have a key is to drill a hole through the top of the red plastic and insert
an awl. This locks the two pieces together and allow the inner part to twist
off. Just be sure to drill inwards to avoid hitting the tank material.
One other tip. If you have all the new tumblers in and are using a slightly worn
key I put in the key and then touch the any edges of the tumblers sticking out
with a small fine file. This will prevent any stickiness or catching.
But then I am sure 928 International can do it for you too. If when you are done
you have any miscellaneous parts left over I will be glad to take them. Get
enough parts and a couple / three broken caps become one good one.
Good Luck
Dan Brindle
====
I was curious about this because the cap on my '84 doesn't work -- the key
works in the tumbler, but the cap doesn't lock.
When the cap is locked, is the handle supposed to free-wheel when you turn it?
The owner's manual doesn't say.
Anyways the pics show the disassembly procedure. Take a flat-blade screwdriver
and gently pry off the plastic piece. If it seems like you are going to break
the plastic, move the screwdriver about 45 degrees around the cap and try again.
Don't worry, the plastic won't break.
Then pull out the tumbler assembly out from the cap. There is a U-shaped
retainer which you remove, and at that point the tumbler comes out of the
housing.
After disassembling mine, I found a broken plastic cam (see last pic). I'm not
sure if this really explains my non-working cap. It seems like the owner
replaced the little spring with a much more forceful spring, with the result
that the cam doesn't retract back into the white plastic tumber housing, but I
doubt anyone would go to that much trouble.
Austin944
=====
I kinda thought that the cap should pry off, and I tried really hard but it
would not come off.
It already has a chunk broken out of it, did not want to break anymore.
=====
The Gas cap has no metal lock barrel retainer and will need no drilling.
Inside the cap between the red and white sections are three molded plastic
retaining flanges, (on the red part) that lock onto the shoulder of the white
center section. Warm the red portion with hot water or a heat gun until the
flanges are flexible, and, using three hands and 3 flat blades, CAREFULLY force
back the tabs while pushing on the key to press the white section out of the red
cover.
Jerry Feather made this solution to open the cap locks. He is making and
selling a complete device for doing this in a professional way.
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