Klaus,

thank you for your advice.

Today I did exactly as you instructed. Neither the key-cylinder keyed-shaft was worn nor the matching one in the electric switch.

However, I noticed that the mating assemblies of the electric switch were loose. the mating assemblies of the switch are: the aluminium base and the insulating assembly, which are crimpped together.

I was fortunate that the key spinning around happened when I had the plastic covers disassembled. Thus, I was able to verify by taken the electric switch out that:

1. Neither the key-cylinder keyed-shaft was worn nor the matching one in the electric switch.

2. there was nearly 1 mm axial movement between the aluminium body and the insulating mating piece.

I then repaired the switch by clamping the mating assemblies together and re-crimpped the aluminium using a punch and driving it with a hammer. there are 4 crimping locations (one every 90 degrees).

I then verified that the problem of the ignition key not turning or turning past 0, I, II, III locations without making the expected electrical connections. Which in position III is engaging the starter.

I will now order a replacement switch, altough the repair of the starter switch has solved the problem. I think besides re-crimpping, I could have used an adhesive to prevent loosening of the mating sub-assemblies.

thank you very much.

Alejandro