Rod Handsfield

When unlocked, the cap just spins, it won't unscrew. I'm almost out of gas! How do I remove the cap? What did I break?

Mike B

You probably have broken the plastic "pawl"

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/347707-broken-gas-cap-pawl.html

...but there is help on the horizon...

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/390771-metal-gas-cap-pawl-installed.html

Alan

Actually the failure mode for the normal pawl failure is (failsafe) that it unlocks always (= ratchet to tighten and solid to unscrew) so it sounds like a different failure. Does it ever ratchet in the locking direction?

If its the red plastic cap type I only know of one way to get it off which is destructive. you need to drill a small hole about 1/8"-1/4" in from the outside edge of the cap - only just going through the red part (its very thin). Then screw a drywall screw into the hole until it locks the outer part to the inner part - if it still rotates you will need a bigger screw.. or several holes spaced apart around the edge...

I have some photos of what you are dealing with - but I'm travelling at the moment (Thurs soonest...)

Alan

largecar379

put key in cap, rotate key counter clock-wise while holding cap---key will only rotate just so far, then rotate cap AND key to remove cap.

to install, reverse above.

that's how it works on mine, my Dad's, and anyone who didn't know how to do it the first time (?) Is this your first time...?


---Russ

largecar379

maybe I just didn't understand the question.....I thought he could not get the cap off.......

Dad called me in a panic over his gas cap issue---didn't know how to unlock the damn thing.....new owner, what the heck.

sorry if my suggestions were way off target?

---Russ

Rod Handsfield

Thanks for the input; here's the deal. I have never locked the cap. When I turn the cap counterclockwise to remove, it will not turn at all - rotated clockwise it ratchets. When I turn the key clockwise (as to lock) I hear a pawl engaging or disengaging, the cap now turns freeley in either direction as you would expect. I'm taking it to Mo Zahr in Wichita tomorrow.

Andre Hedrick

Did someone screw with you and super glue it on, since it was not locked?

Rod Handsfield

I don't think so as it's always garaged. It would need to be a very neat and 928 gas cap savvy sabateur I would think.

Charley B

I never lock my gas caps but after picking up my car from a garage I stopped to fill the empty tank and panicked when it became obvious the cap was not going to come off. I searched for the key for 20 minutes after realizing what must have happened. The mechanic had kindly locked the cap after putting a little gas in it.

Garth S

I have twice removed caps for friends so unfoutunately caught .... but each time, they were asked to turn away so the secret would be preserved
When the cap will not turn counterclockwise - it is now unlocked! Wrap a rag around the cap and apply some muscle counterclockwise - it will yield!! Do not give up!!!

Vacuum in the tank can make this more difficult to release: the turning of heads bit was to minimize embarrasment in case I broke something ... and had to close the cover while muttering "yep - she sure 'nuff is stuck! - see ya later"

Alan

What Garth said

Locked = turning freely

Unlocked = inner & outer parts connected with ratchet.

just apply more umph when unlocked.

Alan

Rod Handsfield

Garth, you have saved my bacon! Many thanks for all of the input. I have new respect for the delicacy of the gas cap pawls and have vowed to treat my gas cap with greater respectl - with the exception of the big wrench I used to lossen it this am. yours in 928ing, Rodney Handsfield

Warren928

Rod,

That's it! The car is toast. Time to find another 928.

No gas= End of driving the car. God is trying to tell you to buy a Prius.

RSKY BIZ

The same thing happened to me last month with my new-to-me 88 S4!
I learned from the previous owner it's 'a tradition' to sell this car 'riding on empty'. . .

At my first fill-up I made a few phone calls -- got everyone's voicemail, then a
call-back with a talk-through session.

Seems the night before when I was 'in-serviced' on it I left it unlocked...
(I never lock my 86.5.). . . Then I locked it when I THOUGHT I unlocked it!

I figured it was a 'blonde thing!'
Nice to know I'm in 'good company!'

Kim

tdelarm

GOD! When will the agony ever stop!!!