anyone tried generic fuel caps? autozone and such

[1996BLKBauer]

When I got my Explorer it had a generic cap on it, no issues until I left it at a gas station. So I bought a OEM Motorcraft one from Rockauto. That one had a plastic piece that attaches to one of the bolts for the filler neck, so I will never lose the cap again. So for me the extra $3 was worth it not to leave another cap.

 

[coppe]

Call me crazy, at first I felt like using the AutoZone cap as a temp, and getting an OEM after. But I actually like this one a bit more, it is easier to operate, the key can be used in both orientations, and the mechanism that locks seems sturdier. The only thing is that the OEM one looks cooler and a bit more belonging in that spot, but I think ill keep this one till it croaks.

 

[SoNic67]

I didn't have an issue till recently some teenagers got four wheelers as presents. Since then my gas mileage started to suck randomly - I do it at every fill-up. I figured out that maybe they siphoned a gallon or two every week, so I decided to put locking caps.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

I didn't have an issue till recently some teenagers got four wheelers as presents. Since then my gas mileage started to suck randomly - I do it at every fill-up. I figured out that maybe they siphoned a gallon or two every week, so I decided to put locking caps.

It is impossible to siphon gas out of our Explorers. We have a check ball to prevent that, plus, I have even tried, when my fuel pump went out, you can't, had to drop the tank full of gas, it was horrible.

 

[shadowless127]

I've used autozone caps on my ex's 93 X, and my gf's old 98 Expedition. Never had issues. I prefer Motorcraft caps for my vehicles. They can be had from RockAuto for relatively cheap.

 

[SoNic67]

It is impossible to siphon gas out of our Explorers. We have a check ball to prevent that, plus, I have even tried, when my fuel pump went out, you can't, had to drop the tank full of gas, it was horrible.

Not mine. I pulled out the filler hose out from tank, and siphon freely anything I wanted - when I replaced my fuel pump.
Unless the check ball is on the filler neck side, my tank has nothing in.

 

[rb142]

Isn't the check ball actually in the filler tube on the Explorer? In that case, disconnecting the filler at the tank completely bypasses it. In my Ranger, there is nothing in the fill tube at all, and there is a floating cone in the tank inlet. It is very difficult to get a siphon line down the filler into the tank. But if you disconnect the filler at the tank it is easy to get around the cone and down into the tank if you want.

I don't see a teenager doing that just to get a little gas for an atv unless they were very desperate. But if you are removing the tank, it sure is worth it to get gas out of the tank. (Or disconnect a line and use the fuel pump to pump out the tank for you, if the pump still works.)

 

[colintrax]

Not mine. I pulled out the filler hose out from tank, and siphon freely anything I wanted - when I replaced my fuel pump.
Unless the check ball is on the filler neck side, my tank has nothing in.

I've personally siphoned gas outta my tank, had to use a small hose but I got it down in there.

 

[1992fordgreen]

Locking gas caps are kinda useless and dumb, except in a camper. You lose 50 bucks worth of gas. Might as well put a helmet on wherever you go just in case you fall and hit your head.

I have a cheap gas cap and it works flawlessly on my Explorer.

 

[colintrax]

Locking gas caps are kinda useless and dumb, except in a camper. You lose 50 bucks worth of gas. Might as well put a helmet on wherever you go just in case you fall and hit your head.

I have a cheap gas cap and it works flawlessly on my Explorer.

Depends where you live... I wear a helmet when I ride my bike/motorcycle. I lock my doors if the truck is parked anywhere other than the garage. I really should invest in a locking gas cap but I don't want another key

 

[1992fordgreen]

Depends where you live... I wear a helmet when I ride my bike/motorcycle. I lock my doors if the truck is parked anywhere other than the garage. I really should invest in a locking gas cap but I don't want another key

I meant wearing a helmet everywhere...jogging, eating dinner, your aunts house. (recommended)

We live in nowhere, so nobodies gonna ciphen gas outta my cars.

 

[colintrax]

I meant wearing a helmet everywhere...jogging, eating dinner, your aunts house. (recommended)

We live in nowhere, so nobodies gonna ciphen gas outta my cars.

That's what I'm saying. You may not need one. But when your neighbors are drug addicts... locks are your friend

 

[SoNic67]

I live in a decent place, but I don't stay there all the time, I got to go to work - that's way I need a car and gas.

And "work" is sometimes in projects, because that's where the gov throws the money in.
Sometimes even kids in the nice neighborhoods will be tempted too - I think that $12 invested in a locking cap was not a big deal.

 

[swshawaii]

EVERY locking fuel cap I've seen is a joke, including Motorcraft. Hardly a deterrent, and can be opened with a flat blade screwdriver in seconds. Can you call that a lock and key? The other joke is the Stant "InStant Fill" caps with the hinged door. The tiny hinged spring will usually fail in short time, or throw a "check fuel cap" light in minutes. Save your money and buy a quality non "locking" cap. If thieves want it bad enough, they will find a way, or drill your tank to get it.

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5079227_removing-locked-gas-cap.html

 

[Varsity]

I use a locking gas cap and absolutely love it. Got one a couple years ago when gas was super high and gas siphoning was popular. At school people would do weird things to the cars there so I felt the few bucks for a locking gas cap would be worth it.

IMO, its like anything. If someone wants something bad enough, they'll find a way to get it. But if a cheap investment could deter those one-time inexperienced-type thieves, it could be worth it.