Stiff ignition key

[headache56]

I have tried WD-40, 3-in-1 oil and graphite in the past but they seem to provide short term palliatives instead of fixing the problem. Can I / should I / how can I take the lock mechanism apart and really give it a good dose of lube inside the workings ?

 

[FZ1inNH]

I think you actually want a dry graphite lube in there only. Any wet/oil based lube will attract dust, dirt and grime and clog the works further. I'd hit it with a long dose of degreaser and let it dry out then use a graphite based lubricant going forward.

Here's what I use from the local Ace hardware store: AGS MR ZIP GRAPHITE POWDERED LUBRICANT MZ-5 AMERICAN GREASE STICK CO

 

[Wolfman]

Yep....have had this problem....have to agree Graphite POWDER is the way to go....

:thumbup:

 

[headache56]

Thanks guys - I will give it a go; I have ordered some dry graphite powder.

Here in the UK I can buy a degreasant called "Gunk" - have you heard of it ?

If I squirt the degreasant down the ignition key hole, I guess that will leave me with a load of wet detrius down the hole ? Maybe I can squeeze a pipe cleaner (thin wire with a kind of cotton wool outer sleeve) down the keyhole to absorb any detrius ? Then I'll leave it for a couple of days, then use the powder.

Is seems like dismantling the lock is not easy / advisable ?

 

[FZ1inNH]

Thanks guys - I will give it a go; I have ordered some dry graphite powder.

Here in the UK I can buy a degreasant called "Gunk" - have you heard of it ?

If I squirt the degreasant down the ignition key hole, I guess that will leave me with a load of wet detrius down the hole ? Maybe I can squeeze a pipe cleaner (thin wire with a kind of cotton wool outer sleeve) down the keyhole to absorb any detrius ? Then I'll leave it for a couple of days, then use the powder.

Is seems like dismantling the lock is not easy / advisable ?

It can be done but not easily. It is secured with tamper-proof bolts so it would involve some cutting/grinding. Check the bottom to see if there is any way to drain it, like pop off a rubber boot/plug? I've never looked to be honest. If there is, and the degreaser comes out the other end, give it a whole lot of spray and catch it on the backside with a rag just in case.

 

[Wolfman]

It can be done but not easily. It is secured with tamper-proof bolts so it would involve some cutting/grinding. Check the bottom to see if there is any way to drain it, like pop off a rubber boot/plug? I've never looked to be honest. If there is, and the degreaser comes out the other end, give it a whole lot of spray and catch it on the backside with a rag just in case.

Yep....removing the ignition is not fun...have done it to get the top triple clamp powdercated....and there is no way to drain it through the bottom...no plug to speak of.

 

[McLovin]

Du Pont Teflon chain lube :thumbup: