Lock Cylinder Gunk

[kupcar]

Hi All, Does anyone know what the earwax like gunk in the lock cylinder is? Need to clean mine up and re-key.
Thanks Much.

[Danglerb]

Clean with WD40, lubricate with a good dry lock lube.

[Landseer]

Who knows?
I disassemble and put the parts into mineral spirits in a mason jar to clean (WD is mostly that).

There is a tech bulletin that takes a different approach to the lube thing.

IIRC there is a special silicon based grease that Porsche specifies; I've had excellent luck substituting a very limited amount of dielectric grease on reassembly.

They caution against graphite. It will short-out the alarm contacts in back of switch that are open to the lock body. Probably more of a theoretical recommendation than a practical one.

[syoo8]

If you need to rekey, then you will have to pull the whole thing out anyway. Soak it in mineral spirits (I soaked mine in a beaker of mineral spirits, the beaker was sitting in an ultrasonic cleaner.) You will be amazed by what crap comes out of there.

I was advised not to use WD40 as it will leave a residue. Rekey the lock (either do it yourself or bring it to a locksmith) and then lubricate with teflon spray.

When rekeying avoid losing the springs. They are very easy to lose.

If you rekey, there are kits available on eBay (from Keys4Classics) that supply wafers.

[MPDano]

Rekeying yourself is easy with the wafers already in there. All your looking to do is making sure there are none of wafers sticking out when you insert the key. Move wafers around to accomplish this or file the wafers down. I wouldn't use WD40 to clean as that crap is nasty. It's all metal parts, I would use carb or brake cleaner. Then use some sort of dry lube. I didn't know about the graphite thing but the experts say no, then I say no. +1 on the micro springs. Sometimes disassembly of small stuff like that is smart to do in a clear plastic ziplock bag.

[Plexus928]

For lock barrels WD40 is one of those instant fixes that is only temporary, bottom line, the pressure blast will move the gunk, then the oil content will catch any gunk that goes in later.
As landseer says soak in mineral spirits, to clean it out, air blast, then used a recommended non -oil based lubricant.
Never lubricate any lock with oil based products

[kupcar]

Everyone, Thanks for the tips. My original plan was to re-key the ignition so it matches my other locks(long story). Took the cylinder out and put in my pocket. Well my pocket had some sand and salt reside in it and it got into the lock. I pulled it all apart but some of the particles got stuck in the orange goo that is on the inside of the lock cylinder. Now I have to totally clean. Just didn't know what that goo was, and if I needed to put it back on during assembly. Just a dry lubricant is fine other than graphite?
Thanks Again.

[Landseer]

Just a whiff of silicon dielectric grease.

[LabGuy]

As a project at work I needed to look at grease and I think Dupont Krytox or Christo lube would work well. Both should be extremely stable without drying out or oil separation.

[MPDano]

Why not just use what the pros recommend at Master Lock?

https://www.masterlock.com/cms/locker/care

Over time, dust, particles and chemicals in the air settle on and in the lock. They can then create friction inside the precision locking and keying components and impede the performance of the lock.

Regular cleaning and lubrication every 3-6 months is recommended to keep your locks operating like new. Locks used in extremely dusty or corrosive environments should be cleaned and lubricated every three months. Regular lubrication will also help minimize freezing in cold weather environments.

1. To clean the lock, use pressurized air to blow all dust out of the keyway and shackle openings.

2. For optimal performance, lubricate your lock with Master Lock’s PTFE Lock Lubricant 2300D, 2305, 2311 which is ideal for use with all locks.

3. Lubricate both the keyway and the shackle. Use also to lubricate internal components of rekeyable locks.

4. Apply lubricant sparingly. A very light spray(aerosol) or a few drops (pen oiler) is all that is needed.

5. Allow lubricant to drain deep into the lock. Tapping the lock on a table will distribute the lubricant inside the lock and loosen frozen or sticking parts.

6. After application, insert the key and open and close the lock several times to distribute the lubricant. Wipe excess lubricant off the lock, shackle and key. Let the lock air dry. Once dry, the lock is ready to be put back into use.

7. NEVER use dry graphite, or a silicone lubricant. Graphite is often applied in excess, which interferes with part movement.