Key Locks -- Part II

Jay,

Actually, it is not as bad as you think. The Piper ignition lock (aka a
"bendix" switch) and be easily dismantled and repaired. There are 3
screws in the back of the thing and, once removed, the back can be
carefully lifted off without losing the springs by keeping the lock
oriented with the back up. Once done, you will see the contacts with the
springs behind them and holding them (the contacts)up.

I BELIEVE you can then take the lock to a smith who can replce the
tumbler pins and keys. I BELIEVE I saw a repair kit for these locks at
one of the aviation joints (Chief, Spruce, etc) that had new contacts
and springs and maybe a new contact backplate.

I also think I saw that Wag-Aero sold entire new units that replaced
these dudes for about $100.

Take your pick (no pun intended).

Good Luck,
Mike

Jay Honeck wrote:
After reading the other posts about key locks, the responses brought another
question to mind.

My key ignition switch works very hard, and the key can be removed in any
position. It's hard to push it in and keep the starter engaged (it's one
of those turn-while-you-push switches), so we usually end up pushing it
several times to get the engine started.

Can that ignition switch be dismantled and repaired, or is this a
"replace-only" job?