'83 Ignition Switch/Key Cylinder Woes

[83JCode]

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.

[VileZambonie]

Most likely broken rack gear

[JohnnyPopper]

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.

[83JCode]

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.

[JohnnyPopper]

You're probably happy it's not a tilt. A lot more work...

[83JCode]

Anyone know of any videos or instructions on how to R&R the rack and sector gear on a non-tilt column?

[VileZambonie]

Download the factory service manual

http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/techinfo/7387CKMans//Service/ST_330_83_1983_Chevrolet_Light_Duty_Truck_10_to_30_Service_Manual.pdf

[83JCode]

Thank you.  Appreciate it.  I'll take a look.

[83JCode]

I might be missing something, but I can't get the turn signal/lock cylinder housing free from the rest of the column.  I removed the four bolts holding this housing in, but it won't budge.  Are there any tricks to removing this section?  This is a manual transmission truck with the release tab.  Is there anything I'm missing with the key release tab to get the housing freed up?  The turn signal switch, key cylinder, and ignition switch are all removed from the column.

[Captkaos]

I am not following.  Are you trying to get the Turn Signal Housing removed? 
3B4-23 on this page: http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/techinfo/7387CKMans//Service/ST_330_83_1983_Chevrolet_Light_Duty_Truck_10_to_30_Service_Manual.pdf#page=319

[83JCode]

Hi,

Yeah, I ended up getting it.  I was trying to separate the turn signal/lock cylinder housing portion of the column from the rest of the column.  I found that the manual transmission/non-tilt columns  are different in that you have to remove the whole column housing and there are three screws on the underside that you have to remove to separate that section.  You can't just remove the four screws and remove the turn signal/lock cylinder housing like on the automatic transmission columns.  I got it all back together this morning and it's ready to hit the road.  Thanks everyone for their help.