Problem with Fuel Cap lock (Z1000)

We have a problem. Stopped off at a servo to fill up the Z1000, found that I couldn't unlock the fuel cap. The key simply won't turn - feels like it's the wrong key (it's not). Tried a little WD40, didnt help. Ended up bending the key (which was getting worn anyway). Got the bike to a nearby friends, made my way home, got the spare key, which has hardly been used. Got back to the bike, however still no luck - the key still wont turn.

As there is very little fuel left in the tank (not enough to get it to nearest Kawasaki dealer), am going to have to get it towed.

Anyone else had this problem? Any ideas on how it can be fixed (does it need a new fuel cap, etc)?

Thanks,

Jeff

Maybe a shot of WD40 or carbon powder into the lock? Has somebody fucked with it perhaps?

sometimes you need to push down a bit on the tank cap as you open it ....this might help ?

I know on the 12, it won't shut at all unless you push down hard while turning the key....

mine does that sometimes.. you do have to push on it to lock it

Tried WD40 at the servo, and a little later at friends place. By the time I got home and back, an hour had passed, WD40 had time to work its magic, but still didnt work.

Also, pushing down on the cap didnt help either

Jeff

it is your bike ??

I recently had a similar problem to what you have just described, it turned out to be from lack of lubrication in the locking mechanisim.
To fix it I used lots of WD 40 down around the key hole and then compressed air to blow all the aluminium corrision out (white powder)
Having finally gotten the key to turn I then removed the fuel cap and surround, disassembled it cleaned, lubed and reassembled back on the bike.
I will be keeping an eye on this as I have had problems with this before but never to the stage I couldnt get the thing open.
The big problem with the design of these is you cant get the cap and surround off until you can unlock the fuel cap.

Hope this helps.

PS be careful when disassembling the cap as there a quite a few very small components that would be easy to lose.


Neil

how old is your Zed?

my 10 year old ZX6R had some corrosion in and around the locking mechanism, WD40 helped it out.


You need unscrew the hole thing take it off your bike completely and give it a big dunk in wd40, leave it soaking over night if possible, then clean it well and put it back on

mine did that every now and then.

after i filled the F@#ker up with WD it was fine,

i found that when it did it, pullt he key out, turn it around and try the other way.
DONT BUST YOUR KEY IN THERE!!!

(i didnt but it could happen easy)

I had the same problem and tried the same thing (WD-40), with the same result. Like you, I was worried about breaking the key. I grabbed the key with a pair of pliers, right down the bottom against the tank, and turned it. Once I got it open, I lubed the sh*t out of it and now do it regularly to avoid it occuring again.

Hey Anne,
The ZRX did that from time to time, I have found lanolin (Spray Pak) to be a good lubricant to maintain the locks (Ignition & Helmet inc). I avoid WD 40, CRC etc (excepting INOX) as they are all kerosene based formula's & as such only lubricate for a very short time before rust starts.

Obviously you still have the initial problem of opening the lock. Perseverence, & get a new key cut NOW before you snap the one you have. If it has already bent, it is fatigued & will eventually fail.

Anne, I cant help but can sell you a race style fuel cap

Anne, I cant help but can sell you a race style fuel cap

Cheers Nathan! Helpful, but no cigar!

Thanks for all your suggestions everyone! Jeff originally went home for the spare key (which hasn't been used), and that didn't work, and he also tried carbon powder, which didn't work. We think looking at it that someone may have tampered with the lock. Given that there was so little fuel in it, yesterday it was towed from our friend's house at Riverhills to Revheadz at Acacia Ridge by RACQ (free, I knew the Ultra Care would come in handy!) Revheadz haven't had time to look at it yet, hopefully tomorrow (well today really, given the time), if not, Monday.