MG3 Hybrid fuel cap is very difficult to open

[Big Ears]

Yes, we do that then stop at the first click.

 

[Porthole4]

talking about the fuel cap, is there a place to put it while refueling? or should it just dangle by its cord?

 

[ptw]

Just dangle - odd, but I can't see how else you could do it

 

[Big Ears]

they must have saved countless thousands by not having a hook on the flap.

 

[ptw]

Trillions

 

[gian]

Just dangle - odd, but I can't see how else you could do it

On mine, there's a hook on the door.

 

[ptw]

But not on an MG3

 

[bing]

On mine, there's a hook on the door.

But not on an MG3

Confused now as @gian has MG3 on their profile
Could this be another new v old spec thing again?

 

[ptw]

I'm talking about a UK model

 

[Aitch1]

I'm talking about a UK model

My MG3 also has a little hook behind the door.

 

[MG Clive]

 

[ptw]

Superstar Clive not intuitive at all though, although I was never very good at the Krypton Factor either (yiu need to be old to remember that TV programme )

As they say a picture paints a thousand words

I'm really pleased to have found that out

Regarding the difficult to open, I did try grease on the cap but it made no difference, in fact a mechanic friend tried to open it after I'd greased it and he needed the spanner to do it

 

[Greg105]

In case anyone wanted a link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SCW-26-Shop-Cone-Wrench-26/dp/B00DHNAURA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=12UJWNIHNICQP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z_UnBhpk8yh3ZyQ0TKqEaQ.dOUZsSVXWtcZm84TWSAdQaNRvWY0INgnScJXTBOsRDU&dib_tag=se&keywords=scw26&qid=1738955015&sprefix=scw26%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1

 

[Whoopedoodaa]

Try a smear of grease on the threads.

I wouldn't use grease, as any product with an alcohol base can cause the rubber seal to perish. The better option is silicone oil, which is what I use, so it won't damage the rubber seal. The oil can dry out, so I re-oil occasionally, say when I'm cleaning the car.

 

[ptw]

Good recommendation. Ive just continued to use a spanner. It had a service last September and I told them about it but they did nothing. I though by now it would have eased off. I might try your silicone oil

 

[Chris P]

I'm sure others must be having this problem. My wife is unable to undo the fuel cap filler, even I struggle. I have tried tightening it by one click and then undoing it, not sure this makes any difference. I am currently looking into modding some sort of lever/spanner device so my wife can undo the cap. I am told that the tank is pressurised to reduce fuel evaporation, I am sure this contributes to the problem. Has anyone resolved this? If you have please share.

I had tha same problem with mine. I spoke to MG service and they said it was normal, I'm long enough in the tooth to know it is not so I wax oiled it. Problem solved

 

[ptw]

I had tha same problem with mine. I spoke to MG service and they said it was normal, I'm long enough in the tooth to know it is not so I wax oiled it. Problem solved

Thanks for the tip. Ive just used 3in1 PTFE spray (wax oil) and it works perfectly as you said

 

[mgpooter]

You do need two/three clicks to ensure a proper seal, to hold the pump created vacuum in the tank. This stops fuel evaporation and the adsorption of humid air into the ethanol.
I have smeared some silicon grease on to these plastic fuel cap threads. It does work to an extent but if anyone finds anything better - do tell. Actually I don't think these Chinese(?) threads are too clever to start with - so maybe we are stuck with this now. Seems I must try Waxoil and PTFE spray too now - thanks.

 

[ptw]

You need to tighten it so it clicks at least once and I'm sure I read a post that unless it is sealed the car wont start. Anyway my problem is solved, but I might try applying a little grease as suggested.

I was told today by my mechanic friend that it is not the threads that is the problem, it is the tan coloured seal on the cap. I sprayed some 3 in 1 oil on that seal and it now releases ok

 

[ptw]

I was told today by my mechanic friend that it is not the threads that is the problem, it is the tan coloured seal on the cap. I sprayed some 3 in 1 oil on that seal and it now releases ok

He also said you could use vaseline