Diesel RVs: [diesel_mercedes] Re: How to replace ignition in 1980 300 TD With key still working.

You must leave the tumbler out to replace the ignition. 10mm nut on band alignment somewhat critical. Went back in smooth. You must press the steering lock in and press the release pin at the same time and it locks in place and you can then put it in. Align the lock with the opening. You must align and twist anti theft ring with tumbler and key and the paper clip just so or the key won't turn. Will replace speedometer tomorrow and try to start. Lawrence Rhodes......

From: Lawrence Rhodes <primobassoon@sbcglobal.net>
To: "diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, July 26, 2013 5:32 PM
Subject: How to replace ignition in 1980 300 TD With key still working.

Turns out there are several tricks to getting the old ignition out. First at the first sign of seizure replace it and don't turn the ignition off. There are plenty of videos on how to get a stuck ignition out. But if you are lucky enough to be able to turn the ignition one last time it is sooooo easy. My model has one hole at about 11 o'clock. What ever you do don't turn off the ignition. Put the pin in. Try to push down until you feel a spring action. Click the ignition back and forth I'm not sure which position but you will find it. Then unscrew the black tamper preventer. The tumbler will come out. Loosen the 10 mm clamp that locks the ignition to the steering column. Take off the electrical connections. A two pin and the large black connector on the back. Take out the speedometer. You must depress a pin which is 2 and a half inches down the shaft. When you get your new ignition you will see how it works. When the pin is depressed(it only sticks out an eighth of an inch or less) the ignition/steering lock will move out a bit till it hits the dash. Then spin a half turn and it will slide out. Take off the electrical parts and install on the new ignition. The two pin switch is really hard to get out. I used a dremel tool to cut it out. It was still working. I haven't put it back in but I'm sure it's a lot easier than taking it out. I put the tumbler back in but it might not spin in easily with the tumbler installed. I'm going to find out. Lawrence Rhodes...