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Old 04-18-2018, 03:51 PM   #1
54blackhornet
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Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

Recently the ignition switch in my 71 GMC has become hard to turn. It’s even difficult to turn back to the left to turn off the engine. I pulled out the tumblr yesterday and noticed some black substance around the little parts with small springs attached. Looks like molybdenum was used to lubricant. Replace tumblr or entire assembly ?
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Old 04-18-2018, 04:03 PM   #2
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

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Recently the ignition switch in my 71 GMC has become hard to turn. It’s even difficult to turn back to the left to turn off the engine. I pulled out the tumblr yesterday and noticed some black substance around the little parts with small springs attached. Looks like molybdenum was used to lubricant. Replace tumblr or entire assembly ?

Hey Jack, you didn't get back to me after I replied to your PM. Did you try turning the switch with a screwdriver with the cylinder out? Does it turn OK?

How about posting a couple of pictures of the cylinder/tumbler....

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Old 04-18-2018, 04:32 PM   #3
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

Sorry Leon ? Brain fade ! I will go out a try to turn it with tumblr removed . Will post back !
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Old 04-18-2018, 04:58 PM   #4
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

I inserted a flat screwdriver and turned to right with no problem ? Bad tumblr?
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Old 04-18-2018, 04:59 PM   #5
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

The black stuff is probably graphite lock lube. I'd be interested in Leon's opinion of the substance in this application.
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Old 04-18-2018, 05:52 PM   #6
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

Will post photos of cylinder
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Old 04-18-2018, 06:43 PM   #7
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

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The black stuff is probably graphite lock lube. I'd be interested in Leon's opinion of the substance in this application.
The main problem with graphite is that it attracts moisture, and after a few uses it builds up and becomes a sticky paste. I have disassembled a LOT of door and ignition lock cylinders and the ones that had graphite used in them were in much worse shape than any of them that were lubed with a spray lube. I know part of the problem is that people get really carried away with it though. It's the old adage that if a little is good a lot must be better.... If a spray lube with Teflon is used there is no oil to attract dust and dirt. Any lock will have a buildup of contaminants if they are not flushed once in a while with a good penetrating oil. I never recommend Graphite for any lock cylinder.

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Old 04-18-2018, 06:45 PM   #8
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

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Will post photos of cylinder
Good deal.

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Old 04-19-2018, 01:40 AM   #9
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

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The main problem with graphite is that it attracts moisture, and after a few uses it builds up and becomes a sticky paste. I have disassembled a LOT of door and ignition lock cylinders and the ones that had graphite used in them were in much worse shape than any of them that were lubed with a spray lube. I know part of the problem is that people get really carried away with it though. It's the old adage that if a little is good a lot must be better.... If a spray lube with Teflon is used there is no oil to attract dust and dirt. Any lock will have a buildup of contaminants if they are not flushed once in a while with a good penetrating oil. I never recommend Graphite for any lock cylinder.

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Thanks. Although in Arizona, we don't really get much moisture.
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Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 04-21-2018 at 09:48 PM.
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Old 04-19-2018, 02:40 PM   #10
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

Hopefully this photo shows the black substance on the lock cylinder ? I feel little resistance when turning switch with flat head screwdriver, turns to the right very easily. Trying with tumblr in place is very hard to do and even harder to the left.
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Old 04-19-2018, 03:27 PM   #11
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

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Hopefully this photo shows the black substance on the lock cylinder ? I feel little resistance when turning switch with flat head screwdriver, turns to the right very easily. Trying with tumblr in place is very hard to do and even harder to the left.

Hard to tell what it is from the picture. May be grease or graphite. Clean the cylinder up with a small wire brush and spray it with some carb or brake cleaner to help soften the gunk up. Spray a little penetrating oil into the switch where the cylinder goes in and turn the switch back and forth with the screwdriver and see if it loosens up any. If that helps with the switch let everything set until they dry out (or blow them out with an air hose on low pressure, 25 or 30#), put it back together and see how it feels.

Also check the spring cover and make sure it is down tight. (See picture)

Let us know what happens.

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Old 04-19-2018, 04:49 PM   #12
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

Will do Leon ! I really appreciate the help...
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Old 04-21-2018, 11:50 AM   #13
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

I cleaned up the cylinder with carb cleaner and lubed with PB Blaster and shot a bit into switch housing. What is trick to reinstalling cylinder into switch ? Tried but no luck ?
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Old 04-21-2018, 05:28 PM   #14
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

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I cleaned up the cylinder with carb cleaner and lubed with PB Blaster and shot a bit into switch housing. What is trick to reinstalling cylinder into switch ? Tried but no luck ?

Using the screwdriver you have to make sure that the switch is turned to the left as far as it will go before inserting the cylinder....

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Old 04-22-2018, 10:19 AM   #15
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

Thanks Leon do you need to insert the paper clip again ?
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Old 04-22-2018, 11:32 AM   #16
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

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Thanks Leon do you need to insert the paper clip again ?
No, you just insert the cylinder and turn it to the right to get it to lock in.

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Old 04-22-2018, 01:17 PM   #17
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Re: Ignition Switch Hard To Turn ?

Thanks so much Leon
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