Fuel Cap Stuck on Truck!

[javadoc]

For some reason, the fuel cap on my truck won't release. It's one of those that you put the key in the center and when you turn it, it retracts the 'locking' fingers, or whatever the technical term for them is.

Any way, it will turn a bit but won't come off. My thought is that possibly the system is sealed and now that the tank is nearly empty, there's a good deal of vacuum which could be holding the cap on. Sound plausible?

Any ideas how to make it come loose? I was thinking of loosening up the fuel gauge sender bolts on the tank and seeing if I could relieve the pressure. Anyone had to do that before?

Thanks for any advice, guys!

[kdrodworks316]

If it is a vacume, just crack the hose clamps at the filler neck, it wont take much. I am betting the your cap is just worn or gone to crap, in which case a hammer with make short work of it, Or just take a chisel or somthing and pop the tumbler out of it and it will come right off.

[scotts62]

Ya try warming it up with a torch J/K
Mine did that same thing to me i ended up using a big pair of channel locks to break it, and bought new one with better vent.

[javadoc]

Originally Posted by scotts62

Ya try warming it up with a torch J/K
Mine did that same thing to me i ended up using a big pair of channel locks to break it, and bought new one with better vent.

Thx for the replies. Yeah, I'm thinking that I need to dig out the channel locks. We'll see what happens.

[scotts62]

Is it a metal or plastic cap?

[javadoc]

Originally Posted by scotts62

Is it a metal or plastic cap?

Metal... looks JUST like this one.

[MacAttack]

Yeah, the guy that ripped my truck off had the same problem, cause I still had the keys. Rather than releasing the connector tube, pulling out the neck assembly and simply putting a long screwdriver down to the tabs - while turning the key (which he didn't have) to get the cap off - he just used a mungus pipe wrench to twist the locking gas cap off.

[javadoc]

Great ideas. I think I'm going to have to see about removing the filler neck from the tank. It looks like it's attached directly to the tank with a couple of bolts. Also, a couple of hose clamp-ish operations on the neck itself. I think that the PO had removed the tank recently to paint the cab (it's got fresh white paint behind the tank, and the tank is a nice shiny red), so hopefully the neck isn't hermetically fused to everything.

[scotts62]

Thats cool, maybe it will be easy to get loose once you get into it.. good luck

[Fred T]

I would bet the filler neck hose needs replaced.

And if you have too much trouble getting the cap off, heat the tank until the cap blows off from the pressure. Just be sure it's parked outside and that your fire insurance is paid.

And if you're married your wife might want to buy some more life insurance.

[Phildooney]

Just think of the dollars you will save on gas if you leave it stuck!

[MacAttack]

Ah - you'll be fine. I'm using my old metal neck as a pencil holder on my desk at work. Classic Industries has the rubber hose (extra-heavy-duty) on their site and I found a 1/4" drive ratchet, a universal and a short socket worked perfectly.

Just remember that the old hose has probably become one with the tank and if you give it a good squirt with brake cleaner it will break the bond. Just watch your paint. I loosened my tank straps and that helped me get to everything easier - both out and back in - with the filler assembly.