There was a time I was on a trip and couldn't find my key for the fuel cap
on my 86.  I was sore afraid.  I consulted the bently about how I was going
to disassemble the filler neck to get the cap off.  That did not look
easy.  I then went to just force it open.  I stuck a screwdriver in the
slot and turned it counterclockwise and it opened just fine.  I have also
used the back part of my regular key to open it.  the lobes on the side
will fit in the slot and the length of the key gives leverage needed.  At
least on my cap.  maybe others are tighter.
Edward

On Wed, Jan 21, 2015 at 6:59 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Yep, use a big square shaft screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.  Drive
> it into the slot with a hammer an twist it open.  Cheaper to replace the
> $18 cap than pay a locksmith. BTDT.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of mark drillock
> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2015 3:34 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Fuel filler cap stuck
>
> Yes, if it is the small key type a stout flat screwdriver can sometimes be
> used to force it counter-clockwise to open.
>
> Mark
>
>
>
> Edward Maglott wrote:
> > Can't you use a flat screwdriver or just about anything to unlock some
> > of those caps?
> >
> > On Wed, Jan 21, 2015 at 6:04 PM, mark drillock <mdrillock@cox.net>
> wrote:
> >
> >> While the original 87 gas cap used the same key as the rest of the
> >> locks it is common for the gas cap to have been replaced with a cap
> >> that uses a small key. The replacement cap may look like the original
> >> but still need the small key.
> >>
> >> Mark
> >>
> >>
>