So the ignition tumbler in the 82 240 had been "hanging up" in the glow position and refusing to switch to start. After a few or many attempts it would release and turn to the start position and the car would fire and run.
I had a new aftermarket tumbler in stock; so today was install day since my daughter left her car here while she frolics down at the NH shore.
I got the car to start and pulled it into the shop and when I shut down, the key stopped in the acc position and refused to return to the off position. However, I was able to insert my nifty dental probe and with difficulty unthread the lock collar and remove the tumbler from its home.
I was then able to move and then remove the key.
The hole in the dash where the tumbler installs is not centered around the switch unit [maybe it is slightly deformed after all these years?]so the lock collar threaded off hard.
I cleaned up the threads in the collar and removed the gummy buildup on its outer surface that is a result of the rubber gasket on the trim ring rubbing against it for years. Also just a drop of lube on those inner threads and the unit threaded right in.
When I pulled the old tumbler out, I looked into the hole in the dash and could see a small pivoting piece that I guess mates to the tumbler and maybe allows the column to unlock. Anyway that small piece kept sticking down when I probed it. so I put a small drop of lube on it and it seems to move smoothly although I does appear worn in there.
My question is, am I still sitting on a timebomb with the rest of the ign/column lock even with a new tumbler?

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

does it turn with the tumbler out? if so, then no timebomb.

I didn't try and turn it with the tumbler out. I put the new tumbler in and it works ok.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

Can I have your bad tumbler? I need it for disassembly guinea pig.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

I took my column lock out when I did the tumbler. Something to consider since you have it apart.
With the problems I had with barely making one last hail Mary turn to get it to the position to thread out I wanted to reduce one variable of a future problem.

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84 300SD 274K
38K miles on flatplate heat exchanger and various diesel/veg blends. prior to that 4K miles on unheated veggie blends with kero and DinoD.