Fuel Cap Problem

[AJ]

The fuel cap on my R65 will not engage the drive when it is unlocked. The handle still rotates and feels like a ratchet that will not engage. Any suggestions? I would like to get it off without butchery if possible. I have had the bike for a couple of years now and this is the first time I have been unable to go for a ride.  
Thanks
AJ

[jg928s4]

mine will do Likewise since I put a new gasket/rubber on it, I push down firmly as a turn and it engages and unscrews, but does make me wary.

http://www.largiader.com/articles/gascap/

[nhmaf]

Sometimes when this happens, one can get it to come out by applying upward pressure (flip up the lever on the cap and pull straight upwards while turning the cap).   Don't pull super hard, but it might be enough to get it to "grab".

This sort of thing usually happens after one tries to lock the gascap on these airheads - I never lock mine after one of these encounters on my RT many years back.

[bruce_launceston]

First question is which cap do you have? The early models have a bmw logo on top, the inside is different from the later models which dont have the small bmw roundel on them.
I know how to dissasemble and fix the later caps.
Let us know.

[montmil]

Loop some stout nylon rope through the cap's handle. Form a knotted loop large enough to get the line over a shoulder and neck while semi-standing on the foot pegs.

Take a deep breath, say a quick prayer to the BMW gods, then yank firmly straight up. The cap will come out. This is an old school trick from some very old school gurus.

And quit locking the cap.

Monte

[Adrian]

Hi - my lockable cap on my 1984 R65 started to do this some years ago. I ignored it and then the lock refused to release and all it would do was spin around no matter what pressure I applied in any direction. Eventually I had to drill out the lock and bolt the two pieces - inner and outer parts - throught the base. I filled up the hole in the top with a suitable rubber bung. Its been okay for years but now I'm rebuilding the old girl again I'm gonna buy a new one.

[AJ]

Hi Guys
Well I used the nylon rope and the BMW gods and got the cap sorted out. I just clicked it back together and it works fine again. Many thanks for the help.
Regards
AJ

[Julio A.]

This explains why the gas cap lock on mine was "pre-drilled".  

[Burt]

Hey Fellahs,

I had a similar problem years ago.  As the lock was buggered and the cap just spun I was eventually able to get the cap off.  I drilled and tapped two small holes in the top, popped in a couple of small hex bolts locking it all together.  The downside is that the fuel cap cannot be locked.  

Mr Murphy played his hand in all this as it was my first fuel stop into a trip away from home.  

Cheers, Burt.  

[k_enn]

Year ago I had that problem when I was on a trip and the tank was about empty.  I used my belt - wrapping it under the upper lip of the gas cap and using it to turn the cap.  It worked -- not sure if because it was grabbing part of the cap or because of the little upward pressure it added.

k_enn

[tvrla]

k_enn - it's becuse pulling up is...

1...the direction you want it to go, and

2...the pulling upwards causes friction between the upper and lower halves of the cap, and once it breaks free you're usually ok.