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Author Topic: '83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes  (Read 420 times)

Offline 83JCode

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'83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes
« on: August 12, 2025, 08:10:59 am »
I went to start my '83 K2500 yesterday afternoon and when I turned the key to the Start position, I heard and felt a "pop" and then the starter didn't engage. Now, the key "clocking" is off and the it won't return all the way to Lock and it won't engage the starter either. The steering wheel is free though and not locked. I had noticed the key cylinder was getting a little stiffer when turning it in the Start position for a little while now, but I was a little slow on addressing it...now I have no choice.  Does this sound like the rack and sector gear on the rod have broken or maybe the ignition switch on top of the column? This is a non-tilt column, without cruise control on an '83 with a manual transmission.

Thanks.
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: '83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2025, 06:51:39 pm »
Most likely broken rack gear
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: '83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2025, 07:54:39 pm »
My rack and sector broke on a tilt wheel, due in part to loose column bolts.

Replaced it but later suffered a stiffness in turning the ignition tumbler.

Thought it failed again but it was the ignition switch.

Yours may be hanging up and broke the rack.

Does anyone know if contact cleaner like Doxit would help? I'v seen it work wonders.
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1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline 83JCode

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Re: '83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2025, 11:06:39 pm »
Thanks guys.  I got the steering wheel pulled and the turn signal switch out of the way tonight.  I'll keep digging and see what I find.
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Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: '83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2025, 11:48:49 pm »
You're probably happy it's not a tilt. A lot more work... ::)
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1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline 83JCode

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Re: '83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes
« Reply #5 on: August 13, 2025, 10:44:25 am »
Anyone know of any videos or instructions on how to R&R the rack and sector gear on a non-tilt column?
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: '83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes
« Reply #6 on: August 13, 2025, 01:24:34 pm »
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,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline 83JCode

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Re: '83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2025, 12:05:38 am »
Thank you.  Appreciate it.  I'll take a look.
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