Ignition and lock, late b20

[Army]

I too appreciate the benefit of graphite grease but I feel the main problem with these stiff lock barrels is more often than not muck inside them. It is best to try and remove the muck first: Then use the lock for a week or so (if you do manage to fix it) before adding graphite grease otherwise you're just adding to the mess

[amazon69]

I am very used to taking things apart, but for the life of me I could not see how to get the barrel out of the ignition lock. So I've just well oiled it for now..avoiding wd40. I am surprised however that the part is not available.

I wish it were as simple as the position of the shaft vs wheel, but alas, it's not.
My car gets a lot of use, every day, so it's fair enough I suppose...near on 50 years of pocket fluff adds up I suppose..

[northNH]

Originally Posted by Ron Kwas

For lubrication, I'd recommend a synthetic grease for internal mechanism (which will never harden or gum up...I expect you don't ever want to have to go into that assembly again!)...for Lock Cylinder, I like Tri-Flow light petroleum based oil with PTFE particles...WD is mostly solvent which leaves little behind, so I don't recommend it for any long-term lubing...

Good Hunting!

IMHO 100% correct.
Graphite, grease or powder=~1930's technology.

If you're willing to repeat regularly, nothing better than 100% silicone spray.
Low friction coating with no film to trap abrasive particulate dirt.

[CLIVERALLY]

Can I third it for graphite

[Derek UK]

Originally Posted by Army

I too appreciate the benefit of graphite grease but I feel the main problem with these stiff lock barrels is more often than not muck inside them. It is best to try and remove the muck first: Then use the lock for a week or so (if you do manage to fix it) before adding graphite grease otherwise you're just adding to the mess

I wasn't recommending graphite grease. The special stuff for locks is just microfine ground graphite powder in a propellant. Comes in a small cylinder about 3" long, the one I saw anyway. Perhaps talk to a proper locksmith.

I agree with the clean out. I'd use brake cleaner. If done well it would remove all of the muck but would remove any lubricant too so a bit of lube on the key for a bit might be useful.