[Vwdiesel] Fuel Tank Sabotage!

[Scott Kair]

> The tank now has a locking fuel cap, which means on
> cold days the key won't turn. Need a propane torch to heat it for a
> second. Not good. Lock deicer won't do the trick.
>

    Not sure whether it would work for locking fuel caps, but one of
the other operators bailed several of us out after a recent storm when
our door locks froze during the storm.
    Avon is apparently trying to expand its market, and is
distributing gimcracks for the male market.  One is a battery powered
combination small flashlight and electric lock de-icer on a key chain.
The lock de-icer is a small metal probe that heats up when extended
and melts its way into door locks, and then melts ice from the
tumblers.  It's too large to fit in a pocket, but doesn't take much
space in a gear bag.  Also, once home, proper thawing and lubing would
be a good idea.
    For $7 US, it's not a bad deal, although you'll probably run
through a pair of AAA batteries playing with it before using it.  It's
item #312464- the guy sold several of them that night.
    HTH,
    Scott Kair