Ignition key cylinder disassembly

[rewilfert]

I removed the ignition key cylinder to extract a broken key.  While I have it out, I'd like to disassemble the cylinder to clean the 40+ years of grime out.  I've found guidance in taking apart the door handle cylinders, but not the ignition.  Has anyone done this before that can offer some guidance?  I have a spare key that fits the cylinder.

 

It looks like I should be able to press on the plastic tab (see arrow) and remove the outer trim where the key goes in and then push the cylinder out the back.  Problem is, I can't seem to push the tab in quite far enough.  Maybe it's just a tight fit.  Any ideas?

 

Untitled by rewilfert, on Flickr

 

[Mike Self]

I had to dismantle one to repair the anti repeat part (which makes you turn the key to off before you can turn it to start again), and did a column about the repair.  Drop me a PM and I'll send you a copy..

 

cheers

mike.  

[rewilfert]

17 minutes ago, mike said:

I had to dismantle one to repair the anti repeat part (which makes you turn the key to off before you can turn it to start again), and did a column about the repair.  Drop me a PM and I'll send you a copy..

 

cheers

mike.  

 

 

I sent you a message.

 

Thanks!

[rewilfert]

To close this thread out, I was able to get the cylinder apart by simply prying off the plate at the back of the cylinder with a screwdriver.  It took very little effort to do so.  To put it back together I simply put the plate back on and used a center punch to mushroom out the small "studs" that hold the plate on.

 

The plastic piece in the picture above engages some sort of switch on the ignition lock housing.  It has nothing to do with taking the cylinder apart.

 

I was able to remove all the springs and wafers inside of the lock cylinder to clean them.  I also had to debur some of the wafers where they had become mushroomed over from years of use.  The lock works much smoother now.