Or at least on my chainsaw. I have an 18", 42-cc Craftsman chainsaw that's about 8 years old. (Pause here for derogatory comments about Craftsman, Poulan, etc., chainsaws). After the first year or so, it became increasingly difficult to remove and replace the gas cap. I eventually resorted to using pliers. Then I read on this website that some believed it might be due to the ethanol added to most gasoline and that "perhaps" letting the caps dry out for a while would shrink them to their original size.
Well, about a year ago I replaced the original gas cap with a new one. Instead of discarding the old one, however, I set it on the shelf. A few days ago, I took it out to try on the chainsaw (because the new one was getting difficult to use). Lo and behold, the old one went on easy-squeezee, just like new!
Lesson learned: have two gas caps and alternate them. (What I don't know is the minimum time it takes for one to dry out and shrink; mine sat for a year).
Well, about a year ago I replaced the original gas cap with a new one. Instead of discarding the old one, however, I set it on the shelf. A few days ago, I took it out to try on the chainsaw (because the new one was getting difficult to use). Lo and behold, the old one went on easy-squeezee, just like new!
Lesson learned: have two gas caps and alternate them. (What I don't know is the minimum time it takes for one to dry out and shrink; mine sat for a year).