Ignition barrel de sticking

[Calovera]

So the ignition can be such a pain to get a key into. Sometimes there will be no issues, othertimes I'll be fiddling with it for 5 minutes or more just trying to get the key in. Just had a new key cut today with the same problem.
Barrel moves fine once key is in, unlocks the doors and boot fine too.

Any suggestions or should I just replace to barrel? If replacement, any good sources?
Thanks!

[Mc Tool]

Give it a shot of monkey piss ( Kiwi for " apply CRC ")

[Andrew 2.8i]

So the ignition can be such a pain to get a key into. Sometimes there will be no issues, othertimes I'll be fiddling with it for 5 minutes or more just trying to get the key in. Just had a new key cut today with the same problem.
Barrel moves fine once key is in, unlocks the doors and boot fine too.
Any suggestions or should I just replace to barrel? If replacement, any good sources?
Thanks!

Hi,
My guess would be that the tumbling pins within the barrel are sticking, perhaps due to years of grime build up.
If you are competent, take the barrel apart to give it a clean. If you're going to replace the ignition barrel anyway you've got nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

Andrew.

[stevemarl]

"My guess would be that the tumbling pins within the barrel are sticking, perhaps due to years of grime build up.
If you are competent, take the barrel apart to give it a clean"
Andrew`s right, it will be years of neglect, but Isn`t the ignition barrel / lock assembly held in by shear-headed bolts as a security measure?* Which would mean locating a new set of bolts before you start. If you can`t locate any it may be worth trying some lubricant, maybe working graphite grease or similar into the lock then working the key? (I`ve used spray on lubricants periodically without a problem, but people say these can cause gumming up.)

* Like the rear number plate bolts.

[Andrew 2.8i]

but Isn`t the ignition barrel / lock assembly held in by shear-headed bolts as a security measure?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-IGNITIO ... Sw401aOp7l
They'll also be needed if the barrel is replaced.

Andrew.

[Bug]

Put the key in and turn it to position one.
Then insert a small pin punch into the hole under the outer ignition barrel casing and push it up to take the pressure off the spring inside.
Then pull the key out and the barrel comes with it.

Simply soak the whole thing in WD40 or similar, work it about by moving the key around, then push it back into the main assembly.

Job done.

Have changed a few barrels to get matching keys over the years.

Much easier than taking the shear screws out, cos even with the whole thing off the car you still can't access the moving parts very easily.

[stevemarl]

Have changed a few barrels to get matching keys over the years.

It`s bits of knowledge like this that make people such as yourself invaluable to forums like this Martin! Glad you still call by now and then.

[pbar]

Have changed a few barrels to get matching keys over the years.

It`s bits of knowledge like this that make people such as yourself invaluable to forums like this Martin! Glad you still call by now and then.

Well said, seconded

[Mc Tool]

,yeah that was a good tip ,learn sommat every day ,
Thanks

[Bug]

Thanks for the kind words gents.
I look in from time to time and it's good to be able to help out.

No more Capris for me i'm afraid........too many memories of my late wife.

Next best thing though, a Z4 with the folding hard top. Long bonnet, RWD, similar to a Capri in many respects.

Will always take an interest in all your goings on though

[Calovera]

Put the key in and turn it to position one.
Then insert a small pin punch into the hole under the outer ignition barrel casing and push it up to take the pressure off the spring inside.
Then pull the key out and the barrel comes with it.

Simply soak the whole thing in WD40 or similar, work it about by moving the key around, then push it back into the main assembly.

Job done.

Have changed a few barrels to get matching keys over the years.

Much easier than taking the shear screws out, cos even with the whole thing off the car you still can't access the moving parts very easily.

I'll be giving that a go! Gave the barrel a good shot of lock(?) lubricant. Seemed to have done the trick.

[Bug]

Put the key in and turn it to position one.
Then insert a small pin punch into the hole under the outer ignition barrel casing and push it up to take the pressure off the spring inside.
Then pull the key out and the barrel comes with it.

Simply soak the whole thing in WD40 or similar, work it about by moving the key around, then push it back into the main assembly.

Job done.

Have changed a few barrels to get matching keys over the years.

Much easier than taking the shear screws out, cos even with the whole thing off the car you still can't access the moving parts very easily.

I'll be giving that a go! Gave the barrel a good shot of lock(?) lubricant. Seemed to have done the trick.

Well hopefully that'll fix it for you, but of course, the muck you've shifted can't move far so it may get sticky again.
If so, try my method as that'll let the muck clear away.

[STEVEW]

Hello Bug

Great tip about the ignition barrel, much appreciated.

[Bug]

Hello Bug

Great tip about the ignition barrel, much appreciated.

Cheers.
Biggest gripe I have with forums is no-one ever letting you know you've been helpful.
So a simple reply like yours makes it all worthwhile to me.