Key won’t turn in ignition

[philipm]

Went to start both engines today. Port engine started as normal however couldn’t get the key to turn in the ignition of the starboard engine.

Feels a bit like a car ignition when the steering lock is engaged and the key “sticks”.

Any ideas what has happened??

 

[BruceK]

Did you take it out, turn upside down and try again?

 

[philipm]

Did you take it out, turn upside down and try again?

Yes and have given it a good waggle(!) and it won’t turn at all. A fellow Conwy owner!

 

[cherod]

WD40

 

[BruceK]

If you are stuck and need a key ignition assembly in a bind I can help. Keyparts have in stock for £157 ex VAT and can ship overnight

 

[Mr Googler]

Sounds stupid....but is it the right key? Not a spare for the other side.

ive done that before!

 

[philipm]

I am considering going to get the spare set just to check there’s not a key problem - but yeh it feels like it’s the wrong key (although it’s not).

 

[jim.howes]

Sounds like the tumblers inside may have broken up?

 

[philipm]

If you are stuck and need a key ignition assembly in a bind I can help. Keyparts have in stock for £157 ex VAT and can ship overnight

Cheers. I have an engineer looking at something else on Thursday so I’ll ask him to take a look assuming I can’t sort it.

 

[philipm]

Sounds like the tumblers inside may have broken up?

It’s completely solid. Key doesn’t turn at all.

 

[jim.howes]

Hi look at the Furneaux Riddall web site, diesel key switches 4 position or 5 position at £67.75inc + p&p with a selection of others. Jim

 

[Rocksteadee]

Is this a Volvo?
Have to give mine a wiggle where the tumblers are worn

 

[philipm]

Is this a Volvo?
Have to give mine a wiggle where the tumblers are worn

Yes is a Volvo.

A little while after getting the advice of all the good folks on here, I decided to try turning the key one last time and bingo, it worked! Felt just like normal and made me think maybe a bit of WD40 may have done the job (as suggested above) as it seemed to be properly jammed before.

 

[AllanG]

I would use a silicone spray lubricant rather than WD40, as I find WD40 tends to ’attract’ dirt.

 

[Don107]

Powdered Graphite in a puff pack avail from most auto parts stores works well and because it is dry it does not attract dust

Also most of the time the key will wear before the cylinder does

Regards Don

 

[petem]

If you are stuck and need a key ignition assembly in a bind I can help. Keyparts have in stock for £157 ex VAT and can ship overnight

That's a good price (albeit for something that probably cost £20 to make).

Genuine part too

Pete

 

[Freebee]

That's a good price (albeit for something that probably cost £20 to make).

Genuine part too

Pete

ebay £9 a saving of £148!!!

 

[Ross G]

I had exactly the same issue on my isuzu truck recently the AA guy told me I shouldn't have used wd40. Use some grease instead. Managed to get going but it is still waiting for a replacement ignition barrel. Grease is only a temporary fix.

 

[Seastoke]

I am considering going to get the spare set just to check there’s not a key problem - but yeh it feels like it’s the wrong key (although it’s not).

F leg and from pitch field