1942 - 1947 Chevrolet Shop Manual



*1-28*

	the key from entering. There are several methods by which a frozen lock may be thawed out.
		One is to take the car to a warm garage where the lock will thaw out naturally in a few minutes. If this is not possible, heat the key, using a lighted match or cigarette lighter, or in the hand, Fig. 53. After the key has been heated, quickly insert it in the lock. The heat from the key will be absorbed by the brass tumblers and cause the ice to melt. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure several times to melt all of the ice. Do not leave the key in the lock under these conditions long enough to permit the possibility of the key freezing to
Fig. 51-Injecting Fluid to Clean Lock Cylinder dirt. Never use penetrating oil or any cleaning fluids to clean the interior of locks—these fluids act as dust collectors. How to Lubricate Locks After thoroughly cleaning the lock, blow micro-fine graphite into the lock through the key hole, using a dispenser such as shown in Fig. 52.

		the lock.
	Fig. 53-Heating Key to Thaw Out Frozen Lock	Another method is to
	force a little alcohol into the lock through the keyhole; this will also melt the ice. Care should be used with this method since alcohol will damage any finish on the car with which it may come in contact. Once the lock is opened and in working condition, it should be cleaned, blown out and lubricated with graphite. To Remove Broken Keys When a key twists off in a lock it is usually because the key was not fully inserted, or due to excessive effort to turn the key when the tumblers were sticking because of dirt, rust or ice inside. NOTE—Never attempt to turn a key in the lock unless it is fully inserted into the lock. To remove a broken key, grind a sharp hook on one end of a piece of steel wire, bending the other end into a loop, Fig. 54. Insert the hooked end of the wire into the key hole as far as possible, then catch the hook on the broken piece of the key and pull it out. Fig. 54.
Fig. 52-Lubricating Lock Cylinder Then work the key in and out five or six times to distribute the graphite. To prevent soiling clothing, wipe all excess graphite from the key and around the lock. Frozen Locks Locks will occasionally freeze up and become inoperative as a result of moisture getting into them due to rain, sleet and snow, or water may get into the locks while the car is being washed. A small piece of adhesive or masking tape placed over the keyhole and cover of each lock will prove very effective in preventing the entrance of water, and will avoid much difficulty, particularly during winter weather. Alternate hot and cold conditions will cause condensation and produce moisture within a lock. There is very little area inside a lock for ice, but one drop of water when frozen may easily prevent

	Fig. 54-Removing Broken Key from Lock