Mike,

Thanks for the suggestion. I did use WD-40 and silicon spray to "clean" the cylinder inside. It had helped for a short while then the problem came right back, i.e., I can't turn beyond position III to crank. I'll try the barke cleaner and ultra-light lubricant as you suggested. Some follow-up questions for you:

1. Is it how you "fixed" your problem? If so, how long did (does) it hold up?

2. When you used brake cleaner, did you get any overspray to any nearby areas or parts? Would this overspray caused any damage to them such as shorting circuits or corrode painted surface?

Thanks again for your great idea.