In a message dated 2/14/05 12:54:49 PM, vwcarlocks@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

<< That's the most common cause of gumming them up. The graphite mixes with
the VW grease and turns to a mud that's quite difficult to remove. >>

I've had some experience with graphite, so I find this implausible.  Could it
be possible that the mud, and it might well be true slurry of mud, was there
before the graphite was added to the stewpot?  Still, I have a half pint of
graphite and pounds of grease with which to experiment.  By the way, what manner
of grease is appropriate for Vanagon lock wafers?

George

George