Gas cap key

[Miller's]

It's us again, with the 1997 270 DA. My question is what sort of tool, besides a screw driver, is available for opening the gas cap?
thanks

 

[gnealon]

It's us again, with the 1997 270 DA. My question is what sort of tool, besides a screw driver, is available for opening the gas cap?
thanks

My boat has something that looks like this

http://www.acrainc.com/images/DeckKey1.jpg

 

[KayKook]

Like this ?

http://www.boatmartusa.com/marinemall/boater-sports-deck-fill-key-p-1786.html?language=en

Or this Universal one.

http://www.lfsmarineoutdoor.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=1503

 

[Kameroo]

When in a pinch, two quarters works well.

 

[SCORPIO]

Its called a deck fill key, you can get them at any boating store, sometimes even at Wally World.

 

[Sundancer]

I just pry mine open with my fingers. I don't ever tighten it that hard anyway. In a pinch, the head of a housekey will work.

 

[electricaldoctor]

I just pry mine open with my fingers. I don't ever tighten it that hard anyway. In a pinch, the head of a housekey will work.

You probably want to ensure that your caps are tight enough to stop water from entering. My gas tanks, waste & freshwater tank filler caps all have o-rings on the back side of them just for this purpose. I replaced all 4 o-rings pre-launch this year as one was broken & the other 3 were badly cracked. Although the waste & fresh water tank filler caps may not be as important to you, you certainly would not want water entering your fuel tank(s) from either waves, rain or even just washing down your boat.

~Ken

 

[Sundancer]

You probably want to ensure that your caps are tight enough to stop water from entering. My gas tanks, waste & freshwater tank filler caps all have o-rings on the back side of them just for this purpose. I replaced all 4 o-rings pre-launch this year as one was broken & the other 3 were badly cracked. Although the waste & fresh water tank filler caps may not be as important to you, you certainly would not want water entering your fuel tank(s) from either waves, rain or even just washing down your boat.

~Ken

They are flush with the deck and the o-rings get replaced periodically. Even if they were loose, I doubt any water would get in. Besides, here in Eastern Washington we don't get rain and I've never taken any waves big enough to swamp the fuel caps on the back. The worst case would be washing it. Haven't had a problem on this boat or the 250 DA so I've never had a reason to use a tool to get that extra 1/8 turn? Maybe my strong fingers create a tighter bond than some desk jockey can get with a key? :grin: :huh:

 

[electricaldoctor]

They are flush with the deck and the o-rings get replaced periodically. Even if they were loose, I doubt any water would get in. Besides, here in Eastern Washington we don't get rain and I've never taken any waves big enough to swamp the fuel caps on the back. The worst case would be washing it. Haven't had a problem on this boat or the 250 DA so I've never had a reason to use a tool to get that extra 1/8 turn? Maybe my strong fingers create a tighter bond than some desk jockey can get with a key? :grin: :huh:

Oh, you are such a brute "Sundancer" :smt043

 

[Asureyez]

I can never seem to find a deck fill key when I need one, either.

Many years ago, in my blow boat days, I began a habit of always having two things in my shorts or pants pockets. A mini Mag lite to support peering into dark spaces to check out whats happening, and a Leatherman Multi Tool.

The needle nose plier tips, when spread, nest nicely into the deck fill cap holes at the end of the slot. I've become adept of holding the tool in my palm spread at the right distance and twisting the jack tool to spin off the cap.

Me and my leatherman are never parted when aboard and I always have a deck fill key at hand as well as many other handy tools.

 

[KeithD]

I have a cheapo folding knife that, when folded, the back edge of the blade perfectly fits in the slip for the fuel / waste caps. Haven't lost it yet, beacuse it's cheap. If it was a nice $80 knife I'da dropped it in the drink a dozen times over.
And Chad, I got a real nice image of you when you wrote "Me and my leatherman are never parted..." LOL