Community Forums

andy29847 · 01-04-2023, 01:28 PM

This is easy to fix, but it needs to be fixed.

Inside the cap, on the part I would call the bottom, there is a float/valve that controls airflow. On the 2 new tethered caps I have, the valve would not open. On the good cap I have been using, the valve will push back to let air in (spring tensioned).

The cap comes apart by prying one of the outer most rings off.

The cap separates into sections. The gray section does not have any easily removable parts. The black section with the spring and 2 white plastic parts is where we need to work. The parts lift out. Note their order and position when you remove them.

The tip of the center white piece is where you need to cut some off for clearance. I cut off ~1/8".

Then stack your 2 white pieces into the outside part of the cap, put the spring back around the tip, slide in the gray threaded piece over the spring and white parts, and snap fit the retaining ring back on. Note, there is a rubber gasket at the base of the threaded piece. This does not need to come off.

whalepirot · 01-07-2023, 12:07 PM

Using parachute line cord, the tether I fashioned on the original cap has ended that problem for me.

jarwiebe · 01-07-2023, 03:30 PM

There was one time, pulled over after about 10 miles after the fill to check, sure enough the cap was were it was supposed to be. Short term memory isn't what it used to be. Guess its a sign of getting old(er) ��

andy29847 · 01-08-2023, 06:08 AM

Well, who knows?

A few days ago, I finished annual maintenance on my camper and was going to move it to the RV port. I like to run the genny when I do this, but the genny wouldn't crank. The only thing I had changed since the last time the genny ran was the gas cap. I backed the gas cap off, and the genny started. I put the cap back on, and the genny quit. Durn! I took the cap in the shop for investigation. It seemed like the float was not opening. I modified it as above. The Genny started immediately with the modified cap installed. I felt like a genius.

Trouble with the genny reminded me that I needed to do maintenance on it too. I decided to keep the camper in the driveway and order some parts. The parts were delivered, and I went out to do the chores yesterday morning. First thing was to warm the genny up. It wouldn't start! Durn! I backed off the gas cap. It still wouldn't start. The troubleshooting process found that there was no power to the glow plugs. This set off the memory light for me. I had had some trouble like this before, and found that the fused holder (behind that durn access panel) was corroded). I opened it up, wiggled the fuse, and the genny started. Woo-wooo! I felt like a genius again (I have a short memory). I replaced the fuse holder this time. Genny now runs like a watch, even with tethered gas cap.

All is well in Camelot.

I don't know why the genny didn't run the first time. All I know is that it runs now.

Alpine36 · 01-08-2023, 10:18 AM

I appreciate the heads up on these new fuel caps.
My unscientific “suck test” shows the new tethered fuel caps are venting the same as the original did. Not sure a modification is needed?
Glad you figured out the gen set issue. I had no idea there was an internal glow plug fuse inside. Knock on wood, our generator always purrs.
As for the short term memory thing thanks for reminding me the generator is probably due for service this next PM, although I doubt we’ve put 20 hours on it since the last service.

DrDaveMA · 01-17-2023, 02:26 PM

It happens, the cheapest insurance you can get, buy a spare!

AJMike · 01-17-2023, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I've eliminated both possibilities with a locking cap. The key is on the MH ignition key so I can't leave without it and with it and the key in hand I remember to screw the cap on and close the door.

Yes. That was my solution as well.

Not only have I forgotten my gas cap, but because other important keys were also on the key chain I had to drive back 30 miles to get it. Fortunately it was still sitting on top of the gas pump.

Now the cap key is on the key fob for the RV and without it I can not leave. I have also gotten into the habit of doing a complete walk-around of the RV before I leave, so that is a good double-check.

DrDaveMA · 06-18-2023, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJMike

Yes. That was my solution as well.

Not only have I forgotten my gas cap, but because other important keys were also on the key chain I had to drive back 30 miles to get it. Fortunately it was still sitting on top of the gas pump.

Now the cap key is on the key fob for the RV and without it I can not leave. I have also gotten into the habit of doing a complete walk-around of the RV before I leave, so that is a good double-check.

This is the Alpine Coach forum. Our fuel fill is behind the genny slide, so there is no need for a locking cap, however there is a need to hold the cap while filling.

The other solution is to carry a spare. Once you get one you will NEVER loose another cap! Cheap insurance.

andy29847 · 11-16-2023, 04:37 PM

FWIW, I moved my camper last week to a glass shop for some window replacements. I filled it up with fuel on the way since it was going to be at the shop for a spell. When I got to the glass shop, and was walking around the camper with the with the glass guy, I found my fuel cap dangling by the tether. Durn! Old age is not for sissies.

gmcgene · 11-21-2023, 01:29 PM

Can You Top This?

After reading all these posts recently, I still had NOT tethered my cap.

On a recent trip from Red Bluff to Beaverton I stopped for fuel at the & Feathers Casino in Canyonville, Ore. Usually the best price on I-5
On the way back I stopped again at the Casino again and discovered that my fuel cap was missing.

I went inside to the fuel desk to ask if they had caps for sale. The lady handed me a box with more than a dozen caps that had been left behind. Mine was in the box.
Lesson learned- I won't be so lucky next time. I'll tether the cap.

Alpine36 · 11-21-2023, 01:40 PM

I laid ours on top of the generator once. Drove about 500 miles, (never using the generator) Next fuel up there it was, right where I had set it.
I’d say those Alpines are fairly smooth riding…

znt1186 · 11-21-2023, 02:00 PM

I have locking fuel caps and the keys are on my ignition keys. Hard to leave it behind that way. I have two sets of keys for the rv. If I don't want to shut down the engine, I lock the door and use my second set to unlock the fuel cap and get back in.