250SX gas cap won't vent

[JThias]

After 30+ years of having a leaking gas cap, I finally decided to order a new gasket for the cap and, voila!, no more leaking. But as you can see, those three decades of doing wheelies and having gas splashing out of the cap onto the tank took its toll on the paint.

So with the new gasket and no more leaking, I've discovered that the vent feature on the cap does not work. After a few minutes of running, the engine wants to stall out, and simply loosening the cap for a moment gets it running again. I know the ultimate solution would be to just buy a new Clarke tank, but it's not in the budget right now. I'm guessing there isn't a fix for this either, as the on/off lever on the cap doesn't seem to be removable for repair.

Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, what was your fix? I've been thinking about drilling a small hole through the top of the cap that would be large enough to allow air in, but not allow gas to leak out. Or, maybe drill a larger hole and install a breather tube?

Go easy on me!

[Jd110]

Take the seal back off. Put the cap in apple cider vinegar for a couple days. Blow it out with an air compressor real good(in a rag). There are two holes on the side. Keep doing that until it vents again.

[JThias]

Take the seal back off. Put the cap in apple cider vinegar for a couple days. Blow it out with an air compressor real good(in a rag). There are two holes on the side. Keep doing that until it vents again.

Great, thanks. I actually filled the tank with vinegar for several days to eat out all the rust and it did a great job. Looked as good as new inside. I'll give it a try with the cap as well.

[Jd110]

I’ve done that, also. Remember, that process strips the coating off, as well. I always keep mine inside where it won’t ever condensate. 10 years later it’s clean as a whistle
Also, I spray cleaner inside the cap and blow it out to see if it comes out the same color ; then your getting somewhere. Last I lube it up inside the cap and keep it lubed.