Gas caps - locking and non-locking types

02 - Fuel & Emissions
Approximately the first 2700 cars, or DeLorean's with VIN's ending in BD000500 to BD003200, had hoods with gas flaps and locking gas caps. The same key used in the ignition and storage compartment behind the driver's seat unlocked the gas cap.

Dirt and moisture have a tendency to collect in the key hole on these and can make the locking mechanism difficult to operate. You will often find the cap in place but not really locked or latched, this can allow water and dirt to get in the tank leading to more serious issues.We recommend changing to the non-locking cap for daily use, as a corroded locking cap can strand you at an inopportune time.

Used locking gas caps are available on eBay from time to time, and occasionally your nearest DMC dealer may have a used one available, too. They can be re-keyed to match your existing ignition key; contact your nearest DMC dealer for details.
 

Once the gas flap hoods were superseded on cars with VIN's above 3200, the locking gas cap was no longer required and a simple, non-locking cap (110129) was used. These non-locking caps seal better, and have been used over the years to replace the, now no longer available, locking gas cap.
 
Original gas caps - and many similar looking replacements - are also now decades old (check for a date code stamped in the metal bottom of the cap) and are due for replacement. Many times a fuel smell can be cured simply be replacing the cap.

DMC (Texas) used factory drawings and recreated each component of the cap in CAD to have new assemblies made in 2023. Stainless steel screws, bottom, wave washer along with improved materials in the sealing ring make it the best option for a replacement cap today.
Written by James Espey, DeLorean Motor Company (Texas)
Revised 6/15/2016 DAS [added recommendation]
Article ID: 17, , Modified: 2/2/2024 at 9:58 AM

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