Hi Guys,

I was just informed that my reasonably new IPD locking gas cap would not pass the new California smog test for sealing the tank properly and providing adequate vacuum. Has anyone had similar experiences with locking gas caps for the 240's? The mechanic indicated that it was probably a faulty valve in the cap. (It was news to me that they had an internal pressure release value). The remedy that was suggested was to purchase an older design --- non-locking type cap --- and use it in the place of the locking cap.

The tank was a little less than half full when it arrived at the shop so that I am wondering if this was a contributing factor. I know that a noticeable vacuum was always achieved by the older non-locking gas caps that this vehicle came stock with -- you can tighten them down and they appear to seal solidly. The locking type seem to tighten down only moderately before the cap begins to spin.

Is this problem with achieving a proper seal common with locking gas caps of this kind? Is there one of better design that I should be using? Is there a deeper/more significant problem with the tank that I should be thinking about? Thanks.

Regards, Dave

P.S. The shop in question has a good reputation for honesty and skill at working on Volvo's and Toyotas, although I ordinarily work with another independent shop. The smog tests now require expensive new machines --- so that you have many fewer choices about where to go for the test. My regular shop got out of the business, but checked the vehicle before hand and gave it a passing score with their "old" and out of date machine. Curious.