Key Ignition Barrel

[smoking joe]

With a bit of luck I am into single figures of the items that need attention, and the ignition key barrel does not spring back as they usually do, never has in my ownership (cira 12 months) and, there are a few on fleabay. But am I correct in understanding that there are 2 types, one with 4 pins for wiring and one with more. If so my car is 1981 vintage so guess these would have the more pins/ wires ?

Also,clock does not work most of the time, but when battery is disconnected and reconnected it works for a few hours. Is this due some kind of electric spike ?

Many thanks

SJ

[FI Spyder]

I've read there is some kind of pendulum action that gets nudged when the battery gets connected and a sudden jolt of current starts it. My clock only failed to start once when I had the battery disconnected over the winter for projects. Disconnecting the battery and reconnecting started it. Only time the clock has stopped or failed to start in 7 years. Make sure all the electrical contacts between battery and clock and especially at the clock are clean so you get full voltage to it. If the clock is still weak there is an electrical modification you can make. Do a search of archives. Never had to do it myself as clock has been reliable .

- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[FI Spyder]

Have you tried spraying some silicone into the ignition barrel to see if it frees up. Do not use graphite spray. While graphite is good for door locks should not be used in ignition barrels. It caused a vampire leak in my Integra, draining the battery and prevented my 7 from starting (not enough juice to activate the starter relay).


- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[smoking joe]

Thanks I have sprayed some into the lock today, no immediate change see what happens. I believe the PO changed the barrel/ lock, so think its more likely missing a spring etc.

If some one could let me know on the wiring/ pins.

Cheers

SJ

[nick]

I recently disassembled the barrel. It comes apart pretty easily. There is a large captive spring in there that causes the key to spring back. Perhaps it has come off its keeper. If you take it apart, be aware that there are 4 tiny springs and a small ball bearing inside. Do not loose them. It is a bit difficult to reassemble but can be done. I cleaned everything and lubed it with dielectric grease. The cleaning didn't solve my intermittent start problem. After I reassembled it I used tie wraps to make sure the barrel doesn't come apart.

[img][IMG]http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt234/nickmi/TR7%201975/Yellow.jpg[/img]
nick
'79 TR7 DHC
'76 TR7 FHC