Servicing IGNITION SWITCH ...????????????

Just got a Used Ignition switch for my MAXIM X as the one on bike was really worn and sometimes shut off abruptly mid of traffic and upon touching key again i could start. Now Is it safe to spray some WD40 on the stem that `locks unlocks`and also on the top block where key goes in..to make it smooth. Just wondering if that would cause any GREMLINS !!!

 

WD40 will eventually turn into goo, anything but that

 

THANKS polock..is some good 3in1 lube good. Does it mess the electrical.?

 

3 in 1's good, ATF even 10W30 if your X switch is like a xj switch oil in the key hole and lock won't ever make it to the electrical contact part
you'll need to take the bottom off to get that

 

3-in-1 will gum up the works, DO NOT use it except to get it home!!! Ask any sewing machine repairman or locksmith why they don't use 3-in-1. I learned this the hard way. It gets sticky with time and will bind the shavings produced inside the lock into a sticky, abrasive gum. Not good.
I will (politely however) take issue with the idea that WD-40 will "turn into goo". WD-40 is a very light lubricant (silicone based)/cleaning solvent and will evaporate quickly, a poor choice for a long term fix. Great for cleaning the unit out however. (refer to the question "how is 3-in-1 different from WD-40, http://www.3inone.com/faqs/)
You want to lube the ignition switch? Use a product called LPS #1 (http://www.lpslabs.com/product_pg/lubri ... /LPS1.html) for lubricating the switch lock tumblers. Great stuff made for the purpose (all my locksmith buddies swear by it which is why I use it).
For the lower end, where the switch plates are, I use a silicone grease as it is water proof and non-conductive. There are Teflon/silicone greases available as well but I haven't had problems with the straight stuff yet (18 years and counting...).
I'm not sure how ATF will effect the plastics in the switch so I'll defer my opinion to more learned sources. I know it has good detergents in it and is a light weight oil but I'm clueless beyond that.

 

Thanks all. These Ignition switches are really serviceable..I love the way its designed..i used some 5W30..WORKS GREAT..will use silicone grease next time around.

 

as a trained locksmith i would have to say watch out with using regular motor oil, it will trap the metal shavings from the keys and the wafers in the switch, i will however recommend using any kind of graphite lubricant, spray or otherwise as long as its primary lubricant is graphite and the rest of it is an evaporative aerosol. As for WD-40 and 3 in 1, they attract dust and lint, hence the "gumming" situation, so your best bet will be graphite lube