5 replies to this topic

[dklawson]

My car did NOT behave this weekend. I took it to the grocery and for the first time in months someone stopped to ask me about it. Wouldn't you know it would choose that occasion to NOT start. The round-body pushbutton starter solenoid used on early cars like mine decided it was time to fail. I had to use a pair of pliers across the solenoid terminals to start the engine.

After putting a used solenoid on my car when I got it home I set out for more errands. This time, again while being watched by curious onlookers, the ignition switch decided to "hang" in the start position... causing my starter to continue to run with the engine running. Oh that's an awful sound.

On outside (door/boot) locks I'm used to putting powdered graphite in the barrel to free things up. I can't imagine you should do that on the ignition lock since there are switch components behind the barrel. What is the prevailing wisdom when and if these locks need lubing? WD-40? Light-weight engine oil? What will loosen things up without being conductive?

[Bungle]

dan was talking about this yesterday on another thread (pikey7's chav mobile)

i think he said to use a carbon grease have a look it was only yesterday

[Dan]

No, I said carbon powder/ graphite powder. The same stuff as for all locks. AFAIK it's recomended for the ignition switch just as for any lock, WD40 or light oil is definitely not good due to the flammability of it.

[pikey7]

You're getting as confused as I usually am Bungle. Not my chavmobile, but Flamereds. A Corsa in my house? Pah!

[dklawson]

So there's no problem with graphite working past the barrel into the contacts? It's been a while since I've taken an ignition switch completely out to examine it.

[Bungle]

You're getting as confused as I usually am Bungle. Not my chavmobile, but Flamereds. A Corsa in my house? Pah!

babys are not good for you i need some sleep