fuel tank cap

Discussion in 'Maintenance' started by bonjo, Jul 2, 2021.

  1. bonjo

    bonjo Active Member

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    I was wondering if the locking mechanism and the rubber seal needs lubricating from time to time.

    Does anybody do that and what is a good product for this bearing in mind those parts are potentially in contact with the fuel
     
  2. bladey

    bladey Senior Member

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    For the rubber seal I've used Wurth silicone spray. Keeps the rubber more pliable and stops cracking. Got it initially for the Sirocco as the windows close onto a rubber seal on the body, no frame on them to slide up into, and it stopped them sticking when you unlock.
    Just wipe over with some on a cloth. Probably wouldn't use it for the locking system though.
     
  3. bonjo

    bonjo Active Member

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    silicon is my first choice for most rubbers but here we are talking about contact with the actual petrol in the tank. I have read silicon inside the engine is not good and can damage the O2 sensor (remember few years back asda amongst others fuel was contaminated with it and a lot of car had their engine repaired)
     
  4. bladey

    bladey Senior Member

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    I forgot that balls up, 2007 I think. I've not ever had any probs doing it but maybe that because I've only done a smear on a rag and wiped the edge of the rubber. Maybe rethink, never occurred to me before as I thought the rubber was trapped outside the opening when you close it.
     
  5. dern

    dern Well-Known Member

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    I've never done this in 30 years. If a lock gets stiff then I'll use some light oil on it or some graphite powder depending on whether it looks like corrosion is an issue or not.
     
  6. Slick

    Slick Elite Member

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    Wipe down with a damp MF cloth with a weak waterbased degreaser/APC, would suffice just to keep the contact surfaces clean - but that's more detailing rather than maintenance.
    I oil the key lightly with xcp if required, then turn the lock a few times. Then wipe the key down to keep that shiny too

    ....dang I need to ride more!

    18K miles plus a year to a £18 spent on fuel during the lockdown has resulted in a very shiny blade!
     
  7. bonjo

    bonjo Active Member

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    I think I’ll settle with light oil which will do no harm.

    yes Asda and Tesco were the biggest culprit, their fuel was contaminated with silicone and cause O2 failure. I have tried to avoid supermarket fuel ever since.

    Seriously slick £18! Your power of restrain is unbelievable but you need to air your bike otherwise mould will grow on it :)
     
    • Funny Funny x 1
  8. Slick

    Slick Elite Member

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    Probably spent more on the electricity for the trickle charger!
    Lol my bike hasn't seen rain since March 2020, the longest trip was for an MOT in Jan. In that time the body work, wheels, chain, brakes, exhaust have all been removed, polished to the nth then ceramic coated... twice.

    Starting to get anxiety when we return to work in September and the thought of the Blade getting dirty! Covid has really changed me!
     
  9. bonjo

    bonjo Active Member

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    It’ll be a big psychological barrier to get the bike dirty again until you get used to it:(

    I finally decided on engine oil ( full synthetic of course:)) in preference to maintenance spray as it is thicker for the inside locking mechanism and the lip of the filler and red grease for rubber parts.
    Even if some gets mixed with the fuel (which I doubt Very much), it’ll burn off.

    simple solution with not side effects
     

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