The ignition is sticky and I got it to work by blowing it with an air compressor and adding graphite. Unfortunately, the same technique didn't work with the gas tank and now the key is stuck. It turns and opens the tank, just won't come out.
I've sprayed it with more graphite and I'm letting it sit. Hope it somehow loosens tomorrow. Any other ideas?
☆This time I personally need your help....☆
This was a tough decision to decide on. I generally stay behind the scenes keeping this site chugging along. Joe, is the one that gives out the amazing wealth of knowledge he has. I've put an amazing amount of time into the bringing together this website and not to mention have footed the bills a few times. I've kept us hacker free for a damn long time. I never ask much of you guy/gals. Only if we get in crunch time and the site needs a little help. Ive never asked for the ridiculous thousands I have seen another site ask for.. ridiculous is the perfect word. I even removed ads for those that log in, severely cutting revenue. Sites been about helping people, not making money. I feel bad actually doing this.. but I need help. I have gastroparesis brought on from diabetes(20+ years). I've been struggling with this nightmare for over 3 years. Finally diagnosed beginning this year. Look it up. Look up worst cases... that's me. Ive lost 60 lbs since January. 28 days ago the company I've worked for for many years found their dirty lil way to fire me. I was approved for up to 3 days off a week for fmla.. that really pissed them off. So illegally fired, savings drained from medical bills, bad diabetic now with no insurance. I'm in deep shit. That is politely saying it unfortunately. If any of you guys cant help please at least keep me in your thoughts. If this was wrong, me asking for help, my apologies. I'm declining in health fast, and unemployment hasn't came through yet and that in itself is a nightmare. Anyone who can, please donate to the website. This time it goes to help me. Thank you everyone. Again, my apologies for asking. I honestly don't know what to do or where to turn.
Rob *This message can be dismissed by hovering over the upper right corner of it and X should appear. click that.*
UPDATE: THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN A FEW OF YOU DONATING. THANK YOU SO MUCH, I'M LITERALLY IN TEARS AS I TYPE THIS. EVERY PENNY COUNTS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING THE HEROES RIGHT NOW.
This was a tough decision to decide on. I generally stay behind the scenes keeping this site chugging along. Joe, is the one that gives out the amazing wealth of knowledge he has. I've put an amazing amount of time into the bringing together this website and not to mention have footed the bills a few times. I've kept us hacker free for a damn long time. I never ask much of you guy/gals. Only if we get in crunch time and the site needs a little help. Ive never asked for the ridiculous thousands I have seen another site ask for.. ridiculous is the perfect word. I even removed ads for those that log in, severely cutting revenue. Sites been about helping people, not making money. I feel bad actually doing this.. but I need help. I have gastroparesis brought on from diabetes(20+ years). I've been struggling with this nightmare for over 3 years. Finally diagnosed beginning this year. Look it up. Look up worst cases... that's me. Ive lost 60 lbs since January. 28 days ago the company I've worked for for many years found their dirty lil way to fire me. I was approved for up to 3 days off a week for fmla.. that really pissed them off. So illegally fired, savings drained from medical bills, bad diabetic now with no insurance. I'm in deep shit. That is politely saying it unfortunately. If any of you guys cant help please at least keep me in your thoughts. If this was wrong, me asking for help, my apologies. I'm declining in health fast, and unemployment hasn't came through yet and that in itself is a nightmare. Anyone who can, please donate to the website. This time it goes to help me. Thank you everyone. Again, my apologies for asking. I honestly don't know what to do or where to turn.
Rob *This message can be dismissed by hovering over the upper right corner of it and X should appear. click that.*
UPDATE: THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN A FEW OF YOU DONATING. THANK YOU SO MUCH, I'M LITERALLY IN TEARS AS I TYPE THIS. EVERY PENNY COUNTS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING THE HEROES RIGHT NOW.
1997 Virago 250 key stuck in gas tank (Charlotte, NC)
Moderators: ViragoJoe, choppin
-
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2022 3:59 pm
- Location: United States
- What Virago you Own: 1997 Virago 250 (Charlotte, NC)
- jsyzdek
- Posts: 279
- Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2020 5:31 pm
- Location: Oakland CA
- What Virago you Own: 1995 XV1100. My dad has a 1996 XV535. I also ride a 2008 SV650S and 2004 Yamaha TTR125. Currently restoring a 50cc Yamaha Champ moped
Re: 1997 Virago 250 key stuck in gas tank (Charlotte, NC)
I had a similar issue with a regular key in a door lock. I didn't use any lubricant, just patiently jiggled the key and finally got it out by pushing the key in and immediately pulling it. Almost as if you wanted to throw a phantom punch and bring that hand back to guard your face... (for a lack of better analogy). Not sure if it'll work, but worth trying.
Keep Calm and Ride On!
- ViragoJoe
- Moderator
- Posts: 3406
- Joined: Wed May 20, 2015 10:36 am
- Location: S.E. Michigan, USA
- What Virago you Own: 1996 Virago Special XV1100SH
Re: 1997 Virago 250 key stuck in gas tank (Charlotte, NC)
This may be a stupid question, however, did you insert the correct key?jskipburns wrote: ↑Thu Jan 13, 2022 9:35 pmThe ignition is sticky and I got it to work by blowing it with an air compressor and adding graphite. Unfortunately, the same technique didn't work with the gas tank and now the key is stuck. It turns and opens the tank, just won't come out.
I've sprayed it with more graphite and I'm letting it sit. Hope it somehow loosens tomorrow. Any other ideas?
Also, press down on the Fuel Cap to get pressure off the locking lugs and pull straight up on the key as you turn it counterclockwise.
Good Luck!
ViragoJoe
1996 XV1100SH Virago Special
"Never ride faster than your Guardian Angel can fly!!"
NOTE TO ALL:
Please edit your profile with location (State/Country) & Bike Information. It will aid us in assisting you!
All topics are archived by vehicle families for easy perusing and to find answers.
Also: If this website was helpful, please consider donating to help keep this site here for yourself and future Virago owners.
1996 XV1100SH Virago Special
"Never ride faster than your Guardian Angel can fly!!"

NOTE TO ALL:

All topics are archived by vehicle families for easy perusing and to find answers.
Also: If this website was helpful, please consider donating to help keep this site here for yourself and future Virago owners.