Ignition Barrel Stuck in Lock

[Logan]

Hi all,

Another day, another problem... I've just finished all the engine work with my restoration and am just about to run the engine to make sure everything's working as it should. But its the ignition that is giving me a headache. Its stuck in the lock position and wont turn, its turns about 5mm and stops. It wont move. Prior to dismantling the engine, it was starting and ignition was working as it should, but wouldn't go into lock, now for some reason, it went into lock and wont leave (the key freely comes out aswell).... Anyone had this issue before? Am I up for a new ignition?

Cheers

[Steam]

Is it sticking on the steering lock, as in turn the wheel slightly then try?
Do you have another key you can try.

[Logan]

Prior to this, any key would start it, so I'm just using the same one that I've always used. I have also tried other keys and no luck.
I should've mentioned that turning the wheel isn't helping either. I'm at a complete loss of where I go to from here other than a new ignition.

[Steam]

I think there is a way to get the barrel out, might be worth trying. If you are up for a new barrel / switch anyway, try to fix it first.

[moke123]

If you remove the 2 little screws holding the ignition switch to the barrel, you can then turn the switch with a screwdriver to start the engine while you sort out the barrel.

Cheers, Graham

[Logan]

Hey Graham,
Which two screws are you referring to? I cant find any screws holding the barrel

[moke123]

My mistake, it is only one very small screw. On my 1980, with the cowl removed, you can see the screw circled in red in the photo.  Fortunately I had my cowl off already so was convenient to take this photo.

[Terry]

Hi,

if your Moke is pre 1980+ the ignition assembly will be held to the column by four screws/bolts and it may look slightly different but the principal is the same, you remove the electrical assemble from the key barrel.

Terry

[Sharks]

I believe this steering column came off an early 70's mini. It's got the pre 1980 style ignition barrel still attached, however I don't know how one would get inside it.

[Terry]

Hi,

if you look at the bottom edge in the picture you can see the indentation. It is a tab that you can lever back and it releases the electrical assembly from the housing. There should be another one on the other side.

Thanks for posting the picture.

Terry

[Logan]

Awesome, thanks everyone for the info, I do have a pre 1980 moke. Ill have a go at butchering it up to replace the barrel and see what happens. Cheers

[Logan]

Update: Taken the back cap off with the wires. Now there's just a big empty hole with no fasteners to take the barrel out. Im lost as to there to go from here... again 

[moke123]

Did the whole ignition switch come out or just the cap?  If the whole switch came out, then you should be able to turn the switch with a screwdriver (at least I could on my 1980).  Sorry, can't offer any advice on removing barrel.  Someone must know how.

[ozmini]

There is a pin about 2mm in diameter that holds the key barrel in.

I have read  that it can be drilled out but have never successfully done that - the body is softer than the pin and the drill always diverted to the softer body.

I suppose if you had a very short drill you might be a chance.

Good Luck - JK.