Good news, My wife took the 240/300D out and came back last night and then wanted to go out again but when she tried the key in the ignition, it wouldn't turn far enough to start the car. So I attacked it this morning thinking it was a broken tumbler or something like that.

After removing the entire lock and dissaembling it the tumbler was still very stiff. As a last effort before I went down the the local MBZ dealer for a new lock, I washed the whole tumbler mechainsm in a degreaser that I use when touching up paint jobs.

You would not believe how black the solvent became. 25 Years of gunk. Reaasembled the entire thing and it works beautifully.

I guess I'd not work very well if I hadn't a shower in 25 years either. Love how these cars are built!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ben

I'm with you on that too: I love these cars as well!!! I have my old tumbler sitting here (I get bored and I play with it). Your degreasing it makes me wonder if mine would work perfectly with a degreasing job done to it... But it's too late I've already coughed up the cash and had it replaced. But I guess it's good, cause now I have a lot more life for the ignition now

These cars rule! What other cars look so good, run so beautifully after 20 years and more?! NOTHING!!!

__________________
1984 190D 2.2 Auto 220k
2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 70K
2004 Lexus RX-330 ??K
2005 Chrylser Crossfire LTD 6K

Play guitar? Go to www.cyberfret.com for free online lessons!

When my tumbler stops working, I just put another key in from one of the other MB's. The 3 girl drivers in my family couldn't tell you which key fits which car anymore. Its simply a matter of training all ignitions to be a little more forgiving

Don

__________________
DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

my MB's are the only cars iv'e ever owned that I look for thinks to upgrade or repair as well as general maintence, all other cars repair were a task that needed to be done......
William Rogers.......
74 240D
81 SD
86 Euro 500 SE
81 hot rod Blazer.