I was sort of following the advice of a recent lock thread that suggested
carb cleaner to clean and then tri-flow to lube.  I know locksmiths hate
most lubes, I think it was Steve who recommended tri-flow.  I do have
several keys for the van but none are original and they could be all copies
of the same worn one.  I can't figure out how to get the cylinder out of the
piece that I removed from the hatch.  any tips on that?  The back end looks
like it has tab that is held on by a tiny set screw.

Thanks,
Edward

On Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 9:54 AM, <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> I use graphite (brand called "Lockease"), despite being told by some
> locksmiths to never lube a lock.  But, it has worked for me.  Just keep it
> off of anything you don't want really dirty.  mcneely
>
> ---- Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> > I have long had trouble with getting the key to turn in the rear
> > hatch cylinder.  It takes a lot of jiggling and moving in and out and
> > sometimes I have just given up.  So I decided to take a look at that
> > problem tonight.  Got the assembly out of the hatch and used some
> > carb cleaner on it.  Moved the key in and out a lot, sprayed some
> > more cleaner, repeat, etc.  Now I can't get it to turn at all.  It
> > did seem to feel crisper in there after this treatment, like the
> > tumblers were moving more freely.  I was thinking about taking the
> > cylinder out of the assembly that moves into the hatch and hits the
> > release.  Oh Vanagon lock experts, what say you?  Am I going in the
> > right direction?
> > Edward
>
> --
> David McNeely
>