Hi
I've got an Escort (1989) whose filler cap refuses to budge, i.e. the key won't turn. I tried a pair of pliers and it just ruined the key!
Any ideas?
It's been getting stiff recently and was on my "things to do" list but I guess it's too late now! Was replaced a few years ago with another Ford cap after the other one started sticking.
Any advise appreciated.
Mike Farrow
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I've got an Escort (1989) whose filler cap refuses to budge, i.e. the key won't turn.
Although this isn't a solution, it would seem you're not alone with a stubborn cap....
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=19491
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Thanks DD. I looked at that thread after I'd posted. I've tried WD40 but it won't move yet. I know it's not the key barrel as the key turns 90 degrees (ish) before it gets stuck - other keys don't go that far.
Hairdryer (thought the heat might help) tomorrow, followed by a trip to Fords, no doubt they've seen a few! Unless anyone has suggestions??
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Last one I did..I used plus gas around the key sparingly..gave it about an hour. then used pointed pliers to release..I recomended using engine oil on new petrol cap key.purely to give free movement of key while trying to release..Not failed yet? But exceptions can apply..Though not failed as yet..??
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Steve
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Hi
Thanks for the suggestions.
Managed to get it off this morning with a lot of 3-in-1. Replaced with one from Halfords.
I may have a go dismantling the old barrel (turned out this was the bit sticking). Any advice/tips?
Thanks again.
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I have had the same problem with a MK3 Fiesta filler cap, as already stated this is very common on some older Ford models. I soaked the filler cap in a bowl of motor oil for 12 hours and after it had dried out properly it was as good as new.
You could always just take off the barrel and soak that, as it is only two small retaining clips. Honestly soaking the item in oil genuinely works!
WD40 is a waste of time as it will dry out with the limited air in the filler pipe.
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Thanks for that Carl I'll give it a try.
Went to Ford today, they want £25 for a new barrel! Also don't know whether it's a kit or a barrel with 2 new keys, in which case that'll be 4 keys for one car on my keyring.
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Hi Carl
Well I tried soaking it in white spirit for 48 hours, then again in engine oil for 48 hours. Didn't work I'm sorry to report, though If I twist the key up in the lock it does turn (sometimes)!
Has anyone had any joy dismatling one of these? It's so strange that it just stopped working all of a sudden.
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I used to have to free off loads of these at work.
Assuming that you have the filler cap in your hand complete with key. Press the key and barrel inwards against a slight spring pressure and remove the small circlip that retains the barrel. Key and barrel can then be withdrawn from the filler cap. Usually the barrel is covered in rusty gunge. Put barrel in vice and work key back and forth a bit at a time. Use loads of penetrating oil, not engine oil. Eventually the barrel will free off and the key should turn smoothly. Don't reassemble until it's absolutely smooth and non sticking, otherwise it'll stick again in about 2 mins. It doesn't matter what precautions you take now, it'll stick again sooner or later.
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To remove the barrel from the filler cap casing it should just be one clip that can be edged out. When the barrel is soaking in motor oil it is worthwhile to put the key in and turn it for sometime while the barrel is submerged.
Inside the barrel there do not seem to be any user serviceable components so unfortunately it may have to be replaced if this fails. I would still persevere with the oil one more time you need to manipulate the shielded entrance of barrel to try to let in some oil when it is submerged. Hope this helps.
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Sorry yes, I forgot to mention, I've already got the barrel off and have been trying to get the thing going again more than once or twice. BTW, when I first went into Ford I had a choice of a £15 barrel, a £18 barrel, and the £25 barrel. Mine just happened to be the car with the £25 barrel, didn't it!
I'll give the suggestion with the penetrating oil a try this time, and let you know.
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Hi all
Well, after plenty of poking, pickling, oiling, forcing and head stractching, I finally took the plunge and bought a new lock. £25 all in from www.gbmparts.co.uk which I thought was good value, especially when that includes a lock built to my Tibbe code, better than Ford dealers could do!
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