Can not remove fuel filler access panel

[CFI]

The access cover for the fuel filler neck area will not budge. I’ve removed all of the screws and scraped off all the sealant that covered the seam. I’m beginning to think that this thing was glued on. Anyone else experience this?

Also, right next to the gas cap is two other holes. I know one is for the clutch reservoir on a manual transmission model but what is the other one for? I ask because it’s got a rubber cap on it but it doesn’t seal well. I’m wondering if some of my fuel smell is coming from that.

[dn010]

Try to drive a chisel or putty knife between the panel and body. The third hole with the plug is not used for anything.

[CFI]

Try to drive a chisel or putty knife between the panel and body. The third hole with the plug is not used for anything.

Thanks. I’ve tried with little success. A small area will pull up, but that’s it. It’s weird.

If that third hole isn’t used why is it there? Something leftover from the manufacturing process maybe?

[dn010]

All you can really do is try to work around the small area that is already pulled up, I know it's a tight fit but you could be right that someone glued it in place. Maybe try to heat things up with a heat gun and see if that helps. Do you see any adhesive anywhere?

I don't know why the third hole is there, I can only speculate it was part of something planned in the future for the car or something they had planned but then scrapped during production.

[AugustneverEnds]

Take a heat gun on its low setting and see if it loosens up the glue/sealant that's holding on.

[mluder]

They originally had a foam gasket around the edge to create a seal against the tub... It's likely that has deteriorated allowing the adhesive from it to seap through and essentially glue the parts together. It's also possible someone put a bead of RTV around the the lip to seal it. Just keep scraping. Heats definitely a good approach.

Cheers
Steve

[SS Spoiler]

I think the third hole might be a drain
for gas overflow?

[mr_maxime]

My guess is that it's for water. The seal goes around the fuel filler area so water can get in. There's a small gap around the 3rd cap too.

[DMC-81]

Thanks. I’ve tried with little success. A small area will pull up, but that’s it. It’s weird.

If that third hole isn’t used why is it there? Something leftover from the manufacturing process maybe?

The proper cover is part number 108492. http://store.delorean.com/p-6717-grommet-drain.aspx

The description says "Located next to the fuel filler, this plug has holes on each side to allow water and any fuel spilled to drain."