$%£&!!! ignition lock! Mk2

[scooters]

oioi
My 2000 has an intermittent ignition lock problem - sometimes the key won't turn - sometimes it will. There does not seem to be anything that initiates this - it just happens sometimes. With both keys.

The lock is quite 'loose' in its roundel and I suspect is worn.

Is this a common fault, has anyone come across it before?

I ask because I plan to strip it down to the lock and then dismantle the cylinder to try and identify the fault.

However, if this is a waste of time I'll just replace the whole unit.

[tony]

Try squirting a bit of powdered graphite into the keyhole, work the key in and out and see if it free's up the tumblers.
Tony.

[TedTaylor]

The tumblers are worn inside the lock and probably the springs are weak/broken and the barrel itself may also be worn allowing the tumblers to move sideways as well as up and down against spring pressure.

If you have access to a number of locks which are in good condition it is possible to strip the old one and rebuild it using less worn tumblers and springs - you can even file down less worn tumblers to replace the worn ones. This is something I have done in the dim and distant past when I was really skint but I would not really want to do it again because it is very fiddly but very rewarding IF you get it all working properly again.

Main thing is that as you strip the old lock you take very careful note of the position of the tumblers - working on a clean sheet of paper so that you can lay things out in order and not lose things on the floor

Some locksmiths - especially the older classical ones - can in fact strip locks and rebuild them with new internals but finding one nowadays is difficult. I used one in Cheltenham in the 1980s who would do this sort of work but g*d knows if they are still around, probably not because that part of Cheltenham (around Albion Street) has been extensively developed in the intervening years and I have hardly been back there.

Ask around in your locality in case you can find a locksmith, but if not then you would probably be better advised to simply locate a less worn substitute.

Ted

[herald1360]

Hi
I had the same problem I tried lock lube ect. It did not work, its worn out!
I fitted a secondhand replacement from Chris Witor all well now. Only downside of fitting replacement is keys don't match doors anymore
have fun
Cheers
Paul
2500TC
Herald13/60 estate

[Alan Chatterton]

Complete lock set with igntion and door barrels on ebay I think...... used, but should be better.

You can make your new ignition key fit your old door locks you know?

Remove the lock barrel from the door. Put in the new key. You will see a couple of brass fingers sitting up. File these down until all brass fingers flush.......... key will now work.