Don't know much of the history here . . .

But, there was one time I couldn't get the key to turn. I was in a crush for time and I thought my 240 was dead where it lay, but it all worked out.

I had parked in a hurry and turned the key to "off" while there was still a big turning load on the steering wheel. With the key off and while I manually held the steering wheel turned against this steering load, I removed the key, which allowed the steering-column lock mechanism to engage the steering column shaft. (The noise this mechanism makes is the loud "klunk" you hear when you pull your key out.) When I released the steering wheel, the full load which I had been holding back as I parked now fell onto the steering-lock mechanism, holding the locking bolt firmly in place.

When I got back in to take off I found myself grounded without a clue. Later, I realized that the load on the locking bolt was so great that I could not disengage it from its "locked" position by turning the key alone. I didn't get rolling again until I happened to take some of the load off the locking bolt by firmly inching the steering wheel from side to side as I gently tried to turn the key.

To avoid this problem, the best sequence would seem to be: Turn off engine, Release steering wheel, Remove key.

I hope this helps!

Steve