Black, greaselike stuff coming out of my ignition keyhole

[albow]

About a month ago, I noticed what seemed to be black grease on my hands which I was spreading everywhere else just after shoving off. I couldn't figure out where it was coming from but assumed my hitch. Well, I found it the other day and it was all around the outside of the ignition switch and also inside it, getting on the key each time it was inserted and removed. I got it all off the outside and as much as I could from then inside by inserting the key over and over. I guess I should take the ignition apart next outing. Anybody have any idea what this could be and what is causing it? I have not had any alarms or short circuits in the engine or any smells like something was overheating. Thanks.

[sunedog]

Are you the original owner? If not, my guess is at some point the key switch got hard to turn and someone tried spraying a liquid lubricant (like WD-40) into it and found out that's a poor short term solution for a lock. Then they poured in dry graphite -- which is a good solution for a sticky lock, but it's really messy if you use too much. The liquid lubricant and the graphite combine to make a greasy mess.

I would suggest Googling aerosol lock lubricants. There has to be some spray that works well on locks. Then spray it into your lock liberally and eventually the graphite and other contaminants will come out (somewhere? the back side?).

[NonHyphenAmerican]

I've always found "Silicon Spray" to be a good lock lubricant and "cleaner".

It "Dries" and lubes dry.

Might be an easy way to clean out the ignition lock/switch.

Or, replace the switch and avoid the mess.

[wickerbill]

Might try some contact cleaner to flush the junk out. Just stick the tube in it and flush away. Then go back with some silicone spray to lube it. I'd try that before taking it apart.

[DWRAT]

Clean it out with some electrical contact spray cleaner and then once it's 100% dry give it "one" puff of dry graphite.
Any more then that will be a mess, any other liquid spray will attract dust in the future.

[albow]

Thanks. I had forgotten I posted this. Yes, I am the original owner. I think all the stuff has finally come out, but if it hasn't, I will take the advice given here. I'm at least glad I finally figured out where the grease I was getting all over my hands and boat was coming from.

[metric]

Clean it out with some electrical contact spray cleaner and then once it's 100% dry give it "one" puff of dry graphite.
Any more then that will be a mess, any other liquid spray will attract dust in the future.

Du not use graphite! Clean it gently with cleaner safe for plastic,blow little air and use Dry Lube(Home Depot)or Lock Dry Lube.I thinking too use this on my trailer slides,not sure yet about direct resistant too water.

[albow]

Thanks Metric