Ignition Key Issues

[Clem]

In my van I had a cheapo repro ignition lock and key that was sloppy, would sometimes jam and used to come out of the housing very easily.
I sourced a nos 'Witte' unit and recently fitted it .... as I said the old unit popped out and I slipped the new one in.
It worked fine, but as soon as I removed the key, it wouldnt re-insert. After much jiggling I can eventiually get it reinserted. Ive tried a paper clip into the unit to test the springs, but they all move, and the fixed parts align with the grooves on the key (and the spare). Both keys jam the same.
Im aware how hard it is (looking at R Atwells site) to remove the unit when fitted correctly, which this one now is, and I dont want to do it.

Any ideas folks? I can start and stop the van no problem at the moment, but to actually use it (its in the wrokshop at this time) is going to be a major PITA.

Cheers.

 

[Loxy]

has the new lock barrel been rebuilt to match an old key or are you using a new key ?

 

[Clem]

Its a NOS barrell and key(s) as a complete set.

The simplest way to an easy life, I thought .....

 

[Araon]

Its a doddle to get the barrel out, I shaped the spring from a clothes peg right strength to pliability ratio

loosen the two grub screws insert the spring doodahh and fit the key and gently ease the barrel out....

 

[Loxy]

So if I understand correctly you are having difficulty inserting the key in to the barrel - if so then that suggests that the barrel wafers are not in alignment - assuming the key & barrel are correctly matched then the only thing I can think is that the wafers are being allowed to go out of alignment - two possible causes to this I guess - no springs (or missing springs) holding the wafers - allowing them to "sink" or all the springs are there but there is nothing restricting the wafers from popping out too far.
Using a paper clip might still work because its thinner than the key & therefore easier to fit it in the hole in the wafer.
Not sure theres really any way of checking if the above is the problem without removing & dismantling???

I'm guessing you know how to remove it already but if you dont this may help:
http://www.type2.com/library/electrip/igbay.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Loxy]

Theres also an excellent disassembly with pics here:
http://www.specialpatrolgroup.co.uk/spooky/barrel/barrel.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Clem]

Looks like its a full removal job then ....

Im going to have to try and do it in situ, as Ive never been able to get my steering wheel off! Lovely.

Thanks for the pointers.

 

[Joval]

Mine was like that, PO said I would need a new barrel - but being lazy I squirted a load of Plusgas in first, and it worked.

 

[Clem]

Mine was like that, PO said I would need a new barrel - but being lazy I squirted a load of Plusgas in first, and it worked.

Ive tried WD40, but I think its worth another go first :mrgreen:

 

[Clem]

To conclude ...

I removed it last night. Suprise, suprise the 68 unit is different to those shown, but in a good way, I did it all without removing it from the van. You dount have to remove the peened cover (though I had done so) and the hole for the spring release in obvious and can be pushed directly into, making the removal 'quite' easy.

It seems the new unit I had is a bit duff the final brass tumbler(?) doesnt always return and thats what is blocking the key. Having moved it a few times, and lubed the mech its much better now and Ive replaced it so that I can remove it in situ, should it jam further. Not good for a £70 nos unit, but thats the joy of old stuff sometimes, I guess ....

Bottom line is, I can now stop, start and secure the van. Thats been a sticking point up till now!!

 

[Araon]

I have a few new springs and wafers if you need any replacements give us a shout, the 68 wafers are likely to have notches in them to indicate a number, if its a no4 i dont have them

 

[Clem]

I have a few new springs and wafers if you need any replacements give us a shout, the 68 wafers are likely to have notches in them to indicate a number, if its a no4 i dont have them

Cheers mate, its something Ill be coming back to!

 

[Loxy]

I have a few new springs and wafers if you need any replacements give us a shout, the 68 wafers are likely to have notches in them to indicate a number, if its a no4 i dont have them

Isnt a number 4 a no wafer??

 

[Araon]

Ah kind of..... the number 4 is only used in the ignition barrel and blank in the doors....