Of All Things, I Had To LUBE My Ignition Switch Today!! Questions!

[CADplans]

Well a new first for me!! I had to lube the ignition switch today on my QL1000!!

The switch felt hard to turn, a little lube and it worked great!!

I used PB Blaster (closest thing to my hand). I do not think that was the best lube to use, but, since that stuff evaporates in a few days, I wasn't worried.

So my question is what to use for a good lube!!??

If I take out the switch, I am inclined to use my favorite;

Mobil1 Synthetic Gear Lubricant LS 75W-90

I keep a quart around and try to soak everything that moves with it.

Any other recommendations!!??

[R Bedell]

My suggestion would be a electrical contact cleaner w/lubricant.

[Ozcub]

A dash of graphite in the lock will do wonders

[johncub7172]

I have had good results using WD-40 in the key hole, and all over after a washing.

[machinehead323]

My ignition seems to stick when I turn it. I have always heard of graphite for locks. One of my coworkers put some lube in a door lock at work and now it is gummed up. I'm pretty sure these ignition locks do not have any tumblers to deal with though. I just ordered a new ignition switch for $18.

[CADplans]

Originally Posted by machinehead323

My ignition seems to stick when I turn it. I have always heard of graphite for locks. One of my coworkers put some lube in a door lock at work and now it is gummed up. I'm pretty sure these ignition locks do not have any tumblers to deal with though. I just ordered a new ignition switch for $18.

I was ready to do that, but, I am so tight I squeak when I walk!!



And, of course, I like the challenge of the hunt!!

I do not think I would use graphite as it does conduct electricity.

Although, there is so little, if it ever did conduct, I am sure it would just vaporize!!

I REALLY like synthetics!! The hunt goes on!!

[maddog784]

Commercial sound guys use something called tuner cleaner - it's made to use in dials that you find on commercial mixers/power amps, etc. I can't imagine that it conducts electricity, as it would render itself pointless. Also, it's good for old volume knobs that give static in a certain spot - spray this in the pot and it cleans up. Radio Shack has it for $8. Like I say, used to clean contacts, but may clean it up enough that it frees up. Either way, nice stuff to have when you need it.

[Ozcub]

Rub a lead pencil all over the key and then insert into lock , do it again and could fix your problem

[ol'George]

Actually the ign switch is 2 parts,usually the slide contacts are lubed with what looks like grease when I take them apart. (I'm not as tight as I like challenges)
I lube them with a dab of grease on a "Q" tip.
Over the years, it seems to work well.
Volume control /contact cleaner has no lube, it is to remove/flush the dust/dirt that accumulates in the variable controls.
It works well in my radio work, but I would not use it on the Ign Sw,as it is cleaner.
If you are not taking it apart, I'm thinking something like dri slide would find it's way to the contacts and leave the graphite as a lube.

[CDDZ75]

Originally Posted by maddog784

Commercial sound guys use something called tuner cleaner - it's made to use in dials that you find on commercial mixers/power amps, etc. I can't imagine that it conducts electricity, as it would render itself pointless. Also, it's good for old volume knobs that give static in a certain spot - spray this in the pot and it cleans up. Radio Shack has it for $8. Like I say, used to clean contacts, but may clean it up enough that it frees up. Either way, nice stuff to have when you need it.

I use that on all my locks to lube them up, works wonders