Key Snapped Off in Petrol Tank

[thx1138]

https://s25.postimg.org/tith2m96n/1key.jpg

https://s25.postimg.org/xggqs0vzz/2key.jpg


Any ideas how to get the key out without breaking or replacing the locking mechanism? Tried tweezers and pliers.

Not my bike, helping someone out.

[P.]

Ignore. Just twist broken key in there and open it.

[thx1138]

[RhynoCZ]

Ask your local locksmith. Not for free, but satisfaction 100% guaranteed.

If you start just sticking things in there, you might damage the lock.

*Open it with the broken key (the rest of it is still in there) then remove the cap and bring it your local locksmith for the extraction.
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[Islander]

Alternatively, buy a set of these, google how to use them and do it yourself.

ETA: Forgot the link, D'oh!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Walker-Locksmiths-WL341-Broken-extractor-x/dp/B007X08BJW

[RhynoCZ]

£5 + shipping, skills not included.
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[stinkwheel]

If you can open it, you might be able to push the broken piece out from the inside.

I've done a similar thing before years ago with that style of tank cap and I seem to recall not having much difficulty partially dismantling the locking mechanism and getting the piece out once it was open.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Raffles]

Look and learn.
____________________
A good loser will always be a loser.

[ADSrox0r]

Small pair of needle nose pliers might be able to get a purchase on it.
____________________
Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30

[Suntan Sid]

You may or may not want to risk this, it's dependent on how far down the key has snapped.
When I had the same problem, I put a spot of gel type superglue on the broken key pushed it in the lock and pulled it out after a few seconds, with the rest of the key attached.
Obviously there's a risk that you might glue up the lock totally, but if you're sparing with the glue it shouldn't be a problem, it worked for me!
____________________
"Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!"

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

[neptune8]

remove lid from tank. Hold it upside down. and bring it down hard onto a wooden block. repeat as necessary to dislodge key.
____________________
Enjoy yourself, its later than you think

[owl]

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

[RhynoCZ]

Reading all the suggestions, I guess OP's gonna find a locksmith the first thing tomorrow.
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[thx1138]

[thx1138]

so, the snapped key is also the ignition key and there isn't a spare

It's got a very annoying alarm immoboliser doo-dah too, with no instructions. Flipping thing keeps locking itself.

I can actually start it with the alarm key fob, when it wants to run that is, without the ignition key, I managed it once at least.

Anyway, I've started so I'll finish. Magnetic tray over opening to tank whilst I got busy with the screwdriver.


https://s25.postimg.org/3tb13er5r/WP_20170708_13_57_42_Pro.jpg


https://s25.postimg.org/bjht8jthb/WP_20170708_14_16_01_Pro.jpg

still haven't got the broken bit of the key out, I've used some tweezers and a screwdriver and broken out the springy plastic bit, and soaked the barrel in wd-40 and leaving it, and will try again this evening.[/img]

[ForestRunner]

[stinkwheel]

Well. Be easy to take that bit to a locksmiths now anyway.

Re: graphite powder. I've heard of it causing problems in ignition locks if it gets into the electrical contacts (the lock is arranged vertically with the contacts at the bottom). While this is a fuel cap, it's also an ignition key going into it.

Last time I looked, silicone spray was the best bet for motorcycle ignition locks.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[RhynoCZ]

Listen to Stinkwheel, graphite is a conductor, could short out the switch/s in the ignition box.
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[ForestRunner]

[thx1138]

sorted

https://s25.postimg.org/7d08ebszj/WP_20170730_16_58_25_Pro.jpg
https://s25.postimg.org/p1rz5y4qn/WP_20170730_16_58_41_Pro.jpg
https://s25.postimg.org/6kxkf4osf/WP_20170802_15_13_08_Pro.jpg
https://s25.postimg.org/yihsckolb/WP_20170802_16_24_28_Pro.jpg


However, I dismantled the petrol tank lock to such an extent I don't think that I can get it back together again. Got a temporary cap in there at the moment. Worry about that later.

Also, bike is in pretty poor condition in places, 14 plate.

https://s25.postimg.org/kwch6ahkv/WP_20170802_16_24_35_Pro.jpg
https://s25.postimg.org/ld2a6gupr/WP_20170802_16_24_43_Pro.jpg

Pitting on forks does seem to be above the maximum travel if I push hard down on the bars and doesn't seem to be catching the seals.

Emery cloth and elbow grease?
Hide with gaiters?

Swinging arm, erm. Good grief! Looks like all the paint (powder coat?) is coming off. Wonder if can take back wheel out, take swinging arm off, wire brush it and spray with rattle can?

Anyway, bike now starts and runs with the lights and indicators and horn working, which it didn't before I got the key sorted.

[CaNsA]

rub some scrunched up tinfoil on the rusty pitted forks

[stirlinggaz]

[toby1]

In that second pic is that a piece of genuine Clarice Cliffe being used as a key tray?