Ignition Key Won't Turn

[encantotom]

hi all, i guess it is fitting for my 1000th post to be a problem i need help with since that is why i joined this forum 4 years ago.

i have not started the old newell for a while as it has been typical summer hot here. yesterday was right at 100 degrees so a cool day and this morning i went out to work on a few things in the newell. i thought i would just start her up and let her run for a little while.

i put the key in, tried to turn it to start and it wouldn't turn. i carefully played with wiggling it and moving the telescoping column up and down as well as the tilt and a few strategic whacks with my hand and nothing. it will turn back towards the accessory position and back to the locked position, but not forward at all. i did try multiple keys.

4 years ago i had a buddy take the column apart and clean it to get a squeek out of it, but he did it and i didnt really follow it very much.

i know it is all mechanical. my buddy tells me it is from a 1973-1987 gmc truck and suburbans used it till 1991.

i have looked online and have some pictures of how to change the lock tumbler assembly but it appears each one could be slightly different.

he lives in colorado so not much help to me now. he also had special tools he used.

so before i do my typical thing and start tearing it apart, i thought i would at least ask for some communal wisdom on it.

thanks

tom

[encantotom]

gee, the engineer in me wanted to take it apart, buy new specialty tools, etc. i talked to another buddy and he said it sounds like it might be a dry/stuck tumbler. so i sprayed silicone in the keyhole, moved the key in and out a dozen times or so and walla....it turned.

so, though i am sure many of you are ready to help me as usual, fortunately it was an easy fix.

thanks for the brainpower you were going to give me.

btw, the old girl started right up and purred. i let her run for a few minutes then let her go at high idle for a while.

tom

[jwe648]

Tom,

I think you should go ahead and take it apart.. You know you want to!!
Back in town till end of mo.. Looks like I'll be moving east by mid sept..

Later!

[prairieschooner]

the old girl just wanted some attention!

[encantotom]

you may be right steve. i spent 8 hours working on her today. it was only 105 so not too hot. a little humid though. i put new gas strut brackets with aircraft aluminum panels for re-enforcement. now i have done all the bay and engine doors on both sides. takes a while to do right, but works really well.

tom

[prairieschooner]

Tom, you're a sick puppy! 105 isn't too hot. I think it got up to about 88 here yesterday.
Just glad to hear that you and your Newell are doing well.

[express1]

There once was a Lock Picker from Hemet,
He could open locks with a plier,
I've said it once and I'll say it again,
His career ended because,
he was a lier.

forgive but not forget.
just for FUN