A/C Coupling - Cleaning Procedures
Article No.93-6-5
03/17/93
^ AIR CONDITIONING - AVAILABILITY OF NEW GREEN O-RING SERVICE KIT TO PROVIDE IMPROVED SEALING AND DURABILITY
^ AIR CONDITIONING - SPRING LOCK COUPLING REFRIGERANT FITTINGS - CLEANING PROCEDURE
FORD:
1981-91 MUSTANG
1982-88 EXP
1982-91 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, THUNDERBIRD
1983-86 LTD
1984-91 TEMPO
1986-91 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1981-86 CAPRI
1982-83 MARK VI
1982-87 LYNX
1982-91 CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR
1983-86 MARQUIS
1984-91 MARK VII, TOPAZ
1986-91 SABLE
1991 TRACER
LIGHT TRUCK:
1982-91 BRONCO, F-150-350 SERIES
1983-90 BRONCO II
1983-91 RANGER
1986-91 AEROSTAR
1988-91 ECONOLINE
1991 EXPLORER
ISSUE:
A procedure has been developed for cleaning Spring Lock Coupling (SLC) refrigerant fittings during air conditioning system repairs. This procedure and replacement of black O-rings with the improved green O-rings will reduce the potential of refrigerant leaks.
ACTION:
When servicing the air conditioning system on the subject vehicles, or if a refrigerant leak is suspected at any of the SLC connections, disconnect all SLC connections and replace all black O-rings with new green O-rings which are made of an improved material. Use the following service procedure to clean the coupling before installing new green O-rings. Refer to the Parts Block in this article for correct parts usage.
CLEANING PROCEDURE
1. Remove all refrigerant from the vehicle A/C system using an U.L. approved Refrigerant/Recovery device prior to disconnecting the refrigerant couplings. Refer to the appropriate model year Service Manual for a detailed A/C discharging procedure.
2. Disconnect the SLC coupling.
3. Remove the black O-rings. Be careful not to scratch the O-ring grooves.
CAUTION:
A SCRATCH CAN CAUSE FUTURE REFRIGERANT LEAKS.
4. Remove any surface residue from the inside of the female SLC and the grooves of the male SLC by polishing with 400 grit emery cloth or equivalent. Polish the female surface by using a twisting motion, Figure 1, so that any scratches made will not cross the O-ring sealing surface.
5. Perform additional polishing of the surface using 600 grit emery cloth or equivalent.
6. Remove all residue from polishing operations from both fittings by wiping with a lint-free rag.
7. Install new green O-rings. If the O-rings are not prelubricated, lube with YN-9 A/C compressor oil (F73Z-19577-A) before installing them.
8. Lubricate the inside of the female portion of the SLC with YN-9 compressor oil (F73Z-19577-A) and apply additional oil to the O-rings.
9. Reconnect the fitting.
10. Recharge the A/C system. Refer to the appropriate model year Service Manual for specific detailed instructions.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 91-22-5
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES:
208000, 208999