Gas Cap Lock stuck. Any suggestions?

[das280zx]

I'm trying to resurrect my patrol that's been sitting for quite a while (ran when parked, lol). It's been outside in the E. Wash desert for quite a few years now and the gas cap has been out in the elements. My dad and I went to drain the old gas out of the tank, which was easy, but we tried to get the gas cap off and no dice. The lock cylinder was so stuck I couldn't get the key in. After working on it and pouring any solvents we could find down the lock, we were able to get the key in, but it just won't turn. Anybody have any advice? Also if anybody could provide pictures of what the back side looks like and how it works, i can't quite remember. Or if anybody has pics of one disassembled. We really don't want to destroy it as it is prettymuch irreplaceable (matching the ignition, etc). Thank you.

[RiverPatrol]

Keep working at it. I've run into the same thing. I use WD-40 (a trick a locksmith showed me) and just keep running the key in and out. Eventually the tumblers will free up and allow the lock to turn. Maybe if you have some small pick tools use them in the cylinder to try and push the tumblers down to free them. The picture might give you and idea of what's going on inside the lock cylinder. In the diagram it is the 'pins' and 'drivers' that are stuck. The cuts in the key will push them and they'll eventually free up.

padlock-pins.jpg

[Esteban]

Hope this pictures help.

Gas Cap.jpg