Pop up switch identification

[ndnchf]

I'm sorting through the extra parts that came with my '31 CCPU. I'm wondering about this pop out switch. Is it a cheap repro, quality repro or refreshed original? The keys and lock cylinder are marked "2", nothing else.
Thanks, Steve

 

[180 a]

looks like a repo made in Spain

 

[rotorwrench]

I still use one of those reproduction switches, I had to pull the cylinder out once to clean the contacts but it still works.

 

[100IH]

Look at the key. does it look like Mickey Mouse was the locksmith ?

 

[ndnchf]

Look at the key. does it look like Mickey Mouse was the locksmith ?

I don't understand your comment, but here are the keys.

Possibly a Spanish made repro? Ok, it seems to work ok.

 

[Joop]

Not Spanish

The one you have were made in the eighties and work very well.

 

[ndnchf]

I tested it with an ohmmeter, it works as it should. But the pop out feels a little gummy. Probably old dried grease. I'd like to remove the cylinder to clean it out. I removed the one small screw on the perimeter, but still can't get the cylinder to come out. Any tips for taking it apart? Thanks.

 

[jw hash]

with the pop out in the on position and the screws removed, take a small allen wrench and and push it down in the screw holes. one of the holes has a spring loaded release in it, once you figure out which hole it is in, just push it in and the tumbler will come out.

 

[Gene F]

I have one I took off my car, and the body of the switch is all one piece...

 

[rotorwrench]

It should be the one hole that is not threaded. It is a very small spring loaded locking feature that allows the cylinder to be removed. A person can then carefully clean the contacts. If grease is used, it has a tendency to get very sticky over time. A person should use very little lubricant in there to prevent the cylinder from getting sticky. Be careful with dry type lube. Some conduct electricity.

 

[ndnchf]

Bingo the hidden plunger - that was it! It is pretty sticky on the sides of the barrel and housing. But the contacts look clean. I'll clean it with electrical contact cleaner. What, if anything would you recommend for lubricant. Does it really need any? I'll put a very thin smear of dialectric grease on the contacts. Thanks, Steve

 

[rotorwrench]

All I can say about lube is that a thin grease and just a light coat of it would likely be enough. One of the teflon (PTFE) types might be a good modern alternative to what was originally in those switches.

Now that you know how to clean it, you could likely use any relatively thin grease as long as you're conservative with it.

 

[ndnchf]

I very lightly lubed it with Super Lube, a synthetic PTFE (and dialectric) grease. All back together and tested good. Thanks for everyone's help