79 CJ7 key cylinder lock problems!!

[4wheelmudslinger]

This is my very first post so I hope I'm in the right place for this question. My dad has a 79 CJ7 that has set for several years. He started restoring it recently and run into a problem with the key lock cylinder. It will not turn to the start position. It will turn to the on pos and back to the lock pos but stops soilid before the start pos. We removed the cylinder and it functions fine when switching through all positions. The rack and pinion function fine but as soon as we put the cylinder back in we have the same problem. It will only turn to the start pos if it's not installed. Any ideas?? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[starcommtrey1]

This is my very first post so I hope I'm in the right place for this question. My dad has a 79 CJ7 that has set for several years. He started restoring it recently and run into a problem with the key lock cylinder. It will not turn to the start position. It will turn to the on pos and back to the lock pos but stops soilid before the start pos. We removed the cylinder and it functions fine when switching through all positions. The rack and pinion function fine but as soon as we put the cylinder back in we have the same problem. It will only turn to the start pos if it's not installed. Any ideas?? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mine does something similar, I have to turn it back a hair then forward and its fine. You can also tear your steering wheel down to it and visually see whats wrong.

 

[GatorBate]

Trying to remember form my locksmithing days... There is a cap in the lock that holds the springs on top of the pins. It tends to come off and won't let the cylinder turning all the way. You can take the lock apart and restake the spring cap or just get a new lock. The other thing that you might look at, if you have tilt steering, the rack will break where the rod connects to it. If that happens it will not pull the rod far enough to start the engine. Make sure the steering lock pin is not jammed. That will stop it from turning to the start position.