If it isn't broken, don't fix it

The ignition on my DR650 was getting sticky so I added graphite powder and
this has fixed the problem.

Thought I would give my wife's VTR250 some graphite powder as well.

Now I am unable to unlock the ingnition.
Any suggestions on how I can fix what I fixed?

 

In aus.motorcycles on 29 Apr 2011 09:07:20 GMT

What does "unable" mean?

Can't get the key in?

Key goes in, but won't turn at all?

Key goes in, turns a bit one way?

Key goes in, doesn't turn far enough?

Zebee

 

Squirt WD40 through it to wash off the graphite.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

Did you live in Brisbane a while back CC?

 

No. I have never actually set foot in downtown Brisbane.

Nearest I have ever been was some big freeway thingy that took us from
north of Brisbane, past the place and (I think) also past the Gold Coast.

<insert puzzled look here> What brought that on?

regards,
CrazyCam

 

You are evil Cameron.

I like that in a person.

Moike

 

Key goes in, but won't turn at all.

 

Tried tipping it upside down and shaking it ?
I dunno how locks work but sounds like the graphite might have got into
the mechanism which spins. Maybe a powerful vacuum cleaner and a bit of
poking with a key might be enough to dislodge it?

Nev..

 

...and I get accused of being evil?

Basics of engineering:

1. if it's supposed to move and doesn't, apply WD40.

2. if it isn't supposed to move and does, apply duct tape.


regards,
CrazyCam

 

Oh I met some bloke from the group years ago who's bike had problems
with the valve lash , simply don't remember who it was
In Brisbane on the south side somewhere

 

Is it the right key ?

 

Definitely not me.

Biggest mob of other aus.moto folk I met at one time was the Netscrape,
at Phillip Island, but I dunno if there are many that were there that
still hang around the group.

It was a long time ago.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

Then put some graphite in to soak up the WD40.

 

Mercedes Benz do a small aerosol lubricant specifically designed to be used
on automotive locks. Last time I recall it was about $25 a can but that
might have changed now but it always worked a treat.

 

I'd be a bit cautios of doing that, any hydrocarbon based lube could attack
any plastics in the mechanism. There's the Benz stuff that I mentioned
earlier or you could try a silicone based lube.

 

Is it the right key ?

Yes.

 

I would be hitting the lock internally with a good wash , something like
crc under real preassure or kero

 

In aus.motorcycles on 29 Apr 2011 10:08:36 GMT

I presume you have tried jiggling the bars in case something's a bit
stuck? Some bikes need the bars moved, and it is possible yours has
just developed that.

How much graphite went in?

Does the key feel solidly jammed? as in "If I didn't know better I'd
think I was turning it the wrong way"?

Unless you rammed a great deal in, or followed it up with something
wet (or it was wet in there already) then I find it hard to believe
the graphite has jammed the mechanical bits.

Try jiggling the key, noving it up a teeny bit and trying. It is
possible that one of the pins isn't moving for some reason and you
need to encourage it.

Zebee

 

Air compressor.

 

With a jack hammer on the end?

Moike

...oh.. yeah...