Can i break off my fuel cap without damaging car?

Hello,

Basically, my key snapped in the locking fuel cap the other week and i have tried and tried to get the piece out but it's not budging.

My stupid dad thought it would be a good idea to drill out the lock (right by flammable stuff, Clever right?) but i made him stop as i didn't want my baby to go BANG. So now i have a half drilled out lock with half a key stuck in there and it's not budging one bit.

I didn't know whether there was another way to break it off or another method i can try - it is well and truely chuffed now so will need to buy a new one anyway.

I have tried banging in a flathead screwdriver and trying to twist that but it's not gripping, i don't really know how the lock mechanism works. I thought breaking all the pins in the lock would mean i could jam in my screwdriver and twist it off, but it's completely stuck.

Was gonna take it to a garage to see if they can get it off but i didn't want to be charged for the labour if it's something i can do myself.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Taaaaaaa, Natalie  

Depends on the Cap,

The older VW latch over Caps had 2 dogs that came out to keep the Cap being turned at the locking tabs.

There are some that push on, to return, and the Key prevents the tabs from coming in to unlock similar to the VW.

I have never broken a key off in a Cap, but was on a 400mile drive with the wrong set of keys, and I used the screw driver twist method.

Smacking a screw driver in it won't release the lock dogs I am afraid.  

Using a Drill (Larger than the KEY Lock Assembly, and plenty of oil, should bore the lock out.  I would also add a Magnet to the side of the feed tube to catch any filings.

One the main lock assembly is Bored out, then the cap should come off.

What year car have you got and what is your petrol cap like? Got a picture?

Just a thought, if you're getting really desperate.

Don't upstanding citizens use slide hammers to remove locks?

If your cap is already beyond repair, screw in a self tapping hook or similar to give purchase.

There's a rubber connecting piece, 12 in the diagram below. Should be possible to easily remove it (just hose clips I think) so any falling debris doesn't make its way into the tank. If the fuel level in the tank means it's going to empty itself, maybe jack the rear of car up so it stays put ?

Don't envy you working around combustible fumes… Good luck and be careful

Thanks guys - I will give it another go this weekend.

bacardincoke Briano1234

I'll let you know how i get on  

Hi guys bacardincoke Briano1234

I managed to get the bigger off finally drilled the lock out and ordered a new cap.

My neighbour decided to reverse into my car though last night and smashed my front bumper off one thing after another


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow think you need to pray for some luck.  Hopefully you get all sorted. Was it big bumpers or small? Maybe a excuse to change them😉

Kenneth Cartwright said

Wow think you need to pray for some luck.  Hopefully you get all sorted. Was it big bumpers or small? Maybe a excuse to change them

I know right!! Life does not want me to have the golf.

Big bumpers, I've got another one on the way.. I did look at the small bumpers but I have a big hole in the side of the wing that I'm saving to get repaired (going to do a full respray) so the big bumper is hiding that for now

It'll all come together eventually (I hope)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Curios what you paying for the respect. I got mine quoted today at £3k from a reputable local garage that will do a good job.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Backinblack said

Curios what you paying for the respect. I got mine quoted today at Ã,£3k from a reputable local garage that will do a good job.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have a mate in the business so he's quoted me around 800 at the moment as I need my rear arches replaced and there are a few bits that need welding

The paint will probably cost 1500 - 2000 on top of that. I always expected to have to pay between 2500-3000 for a decent job.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's good to know I am revoking the interior myself and all the simple trim on the outside as it will be a glass out respray with a blow over the internal stuff to make the boot tidy and where the seatbelt chips the internals. Hoping to knock it back to £2500 so I can get it done over Easter fingers crossed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bloody iPhone. Removing not revoking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Backinblack said

That's good to know I am revoking the interior myself and all the simple trim on the outside as it will be a glass out respray with a blow over the internal stuff to make the boot tidy and where the seatbelt chips the internals. Hoping to knock it back to Ã,£2500 so I can get it done over Easter fingers crossed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah that's smart - I think if you're gonna get it done then might as well go all out because it'll be worth it in the long run

Imagine the value in a few more years!

Are you staying the same colour or going for something different?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Staying original paint code black. Was tempted to go oak green or lasha green but will be better to keep it The same I decided. Only worth a colour change for a £10k job there it is stripped and totally resprayed including engine bay etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Backinblack said

Staying original paint code black. Was tempted to go oak green or lasha green but will be better to keep it The same I decided. Only worth a colour change for a Ã,£10k job there it is stripped and totally resprayed including engine bay etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed, I'm sticking white! I'd of loved to go for a dark real colour but I just don't have the money to do a proper job


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

natalems said

Backinblack said

Staying original paint code black. Was tempted to go oak green or lasha green but will be better to keep it The same I decided. Only worth a colour change for a ÃÂ,Ã,£10k job there it is stripped and totally resprayed including engine bay etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed, I'm sticking white! I'd of loved to go for a dark real colour but I just don't have the money to do a proper job


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Teal not real ***


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ha ha iPhone at it again. I want to change to green glass also but it is w reg so not sure if I should do it. Upgrade to twin grill. Have p slots but maybe some oz wheels with Avon tyres. £££. Good to have a dream.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Backinblack said

Ha ha iPhone at it again. I want to change to green glass also but it is w reg so not sure if I should do it. Upgrade to twin grill. Have p slots but maybe some oz wheels with Avon tyres. Ã,£Ã,£Ã,£. Good to have a dream.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've got p slots on mine, they all need a refurb though!

Yeah keeps me busy


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk