Locking Gas Cap and Key

[bkfitz]

I've read the technical manual article on the Gas Cap.  For full members that is here: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Fuel/LockingGasCap

  I believe mine is the correct OEM gas cap for a 68 280SL, but it may be a replacement because I'm not seeing a lock number on the hex backing of the gas cap.  Unfortunately, my key doesn't go into the lock fully (stops 1/2 way). 

Question: Does anyone know if this YMOS key is OEM delivered with the car by Mercedes, or perhaps a replacement? 

I can try to take the gas cap apart and lubricate with silicon spray or graphite, but if the key doesn't go in all the way, I'm thinking the key doesn't match my lock.  Otherwise, I suppose I'll call a locksmith to 're-key' the lock or make me a key that fits.  Any opinion on which is easier?

Thanks!

[Peter]

My experience is that a good locksmith (of car locks) can repair the cylinder and adapt it to the key.

[Charles 230SL]

..Does anyone know if this YMOS key is OEM delivered with the car by Mercedes, or perhaps a replacement?..

Looks like a replacement - I bought a new gas cap from the Classic Center about 7 years ago and your cap and key look same as mine (YMOS on the key and same lettering on back of the cap). hopefully you'll be able to get that key to work.

[bkfitz]

Thanks Peter and Charles!

[yves]

Brian , you can modify each "wafer" of the tumbler to match with your key. I have done that on my cap with the glove box key. Now this key is functionnal with the cap and the box .

[Jordan]

Brian, it may also be that one of the wafers in the tumbler has broken, preventing you from inserting the key fully.  I had the same issue with my drivers side door lock.  I found a broken wafer when I took it apart and just removed the pieces.  You don't need to replace the wafer, you can just remove it (the pieces of the broken one).  If the key is correct for the lock, then it should work.

[bkfitz]

This is all very helpful!  Thanks! 

Any tips for prying back the 'locating tab' to remove the 'locking collar'?  I've read they break easily.

[yves]

Mine was fitted "secured"  with a screw ....!