Starboard Fuel Door

[c_hotshot]

My starboard side fuel cap is stuck - I cant get it to budge with dry hands or even using a thin rubber jar opener. I've tried to think of other ways to put leverage on the cap - but I'm coming up empty handed.

Thankfully the port side fuel cap is easy to remove - but as you know when pulling up to the dock - the stern walks away from the port side when in reverse. This means I'm taking the fuel despencer over the boat - which I dont like.

I appreciate any ideas on how to put additional leverage on the starboard side cap to loosen it up and make it usable?

[Coop]

Mine has a semi-circular flap that flips up in the middle of the cap, and I can use pliers on that if necessary. If yours doesn't have that flap, are there channel lock pliers big enough to fit around the outside?

[WakerideN]

maybe try an oil filter wrench.. mine are made of rubber.. so it might work if you have one..

[Timmy!]

I would try a large pair of pliers with the rubber jar opener to protect it from scratching if the oil filter wrench doesn't work.

[IDBoating]

maybe try an oil filter wrench.. mine are made of rubber.. so it might work if you have one..

x2 on this suggestion. What you want is called a "strap wrench". It will exert tremendous force yet leave the cap and your gelcoat completely unblemished (unlike metal tools). They look like this:



...they are pretty cheap, and well worth having around. Make certain the cap is totally dry and clean so the rubber can get a good grip.

[Timmy!]

I need to pick one of those up!

[boardman74]

Strap wrench would work great. Must have in the tool box. They work great on anything smooth and semi-round. Great Idea!!

[WakerideN]

yep.. those be what I meant ^^ above..

[c_hotshot]

WA Boating - thanks for that idea! I like the Strap Wrench idea a lot! Probably the best solution. I'll try that out this weekend!

I did think about channel locks; or using the little metal flap that pops up, but I didnt want metal against metal. I dont know why I didnt think about using the rubber jar opener with the pliers.

[Coop]

I just use pliers on the metal flap, with a rag in between to prevent scratching.

[c_hotshot]

A thick rag and a pair of pliers did the trick. buddy was suppose to bring his strap wrench - but forgot in the excitment of surfing! Thanks to all for the help in resolving.