Gas Cap so difficult to close and lock

[Petrom714]

I had the same issue with my new f3s 2015 ..... last year when I bought it... its a little easier now but not much... I have to stand on the foot pegs and use force from my arms down onto both thumbs on the sides of cover to close it. I was concerned about not getting it closed ever time I went to fill it, but my husband is usually with me and is able to assist on the few occasion I haven't been able to. Interesting - I took a 2017 F3s out from the shop this year while mine was in. No issues with that gas cap at all. So easy to close, I couldn't believe the difference. I think it is hit and miss, personally I think the difficult ones to close should be replaced at no cost by the dealers. I really like the shop I bought it from, so I will again bring it up to them when I get my next service and see if I can get it replaced. I did ask them last year if I should put some grease on it - they said no, they didn't recommend doing anything like that. They said to see if it worked in a bit, it has a bit but not much

this is causing me to think that i might have no choice but to open with can am a warranty claim. im severely deficient in muscle strength and having to fear the few times a month visit to the gas station is getting tedious...i have to beg the gas attendant to help me close it--thank you all for you replies and input

 

[Rattlebars]

Closing the gas cap on a Spyder"

 

[Phatjac]

Yes turn the key before applying any pressure to the cap. I had noticed a couple of F3 riders pressing down hard on the cap and then trying to turn the key. This is self-defeating as you are effectively jamming the latch that retracts when you turn the key.

If you follow the lubrication tips in ths thread, turn the key first, then press down the key will snap back on its own when you press down on the cap.

I agree....I've owned a '15 F3s and now a '16 F3 Ltd and both worked the same for me, Turn the key before pressing on the cap!!

 

[Bottomline2000]

White lithium grease on the slide under the cap seal. Mine wouldn't move at first. You have to work it back and forth to free up the slide with both hands and then wipe off the excess. . Now I just push mine down to close. Don't need to turn the key first, but it is easier I supposed. The click let's you know its closed. When I first bought it it would not close at all unless I turned the key and the cap would not fully seat once it latched.

 

[deer30084]

I thought about the keyless gas cap FOR ABOUT 60 SECONDS. Then I decided a locking gas cap is best. Just think if they sold Spyders with keyless gas caps. Some entrepreneur would come out with a locking one and everybody would buy it. We seem to want what we don't have. Get some silicone lube! Put some on your fingers and rub the rubber gasket with it. It will last for months!

 

[RICZ]

I filed the top side of the sticky outy thing that locks the cap until it closed with just a bit of friction. Lubes didn't help until I did that. Place a rag over the hole and file away. Or do what I did and take it apart and file or grind.

 

[Rattlebars]

I filed the top side of the sticky outy thing that locks the cap until it closed with just a bit of friction. Lubes didn't help until I did that. Place a rag over the hole and file away. Or do what I did and take it apart and file or grind.

God. I luv that hi techy talky stuff!

 

[PW2013STL]

God. I luv that hi techy talky stuff!

LOL:roflblack:

 

[Petrom714]

thank you--i cant wait to try this!!!

 

[RICZ]

thank you--i cant wait to try this!!!

You are welcome. It's best to remove the mechanism and be sure to place a rag over the hole as you remove and replace the screws. Once it's off, you'll see it's really a simple affair. I took the sticky outy thing to a belt sander. There was some trial and error because it turned out it had to be ground down a fair amount. Be sure to leave a rounded crown to prevent galling and getting metal into the tank.