Spring Lock Coupling Connect and Disconnect Procedure

SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL(S)

DISCONNECT







1. Remove the A/C tube lock coupling clip.







2. Fit the spring lock coupling, disconnect tool to the spring lock coupling.







3. Push the tool into the cage opening to release the female fitting from the A/C tube lock coupling spring.







4. Pull the spring lock coupling fittings apart.







5. Remove the O-ring seals with a non-metallic tool.

CAUTI0N: Do not use metal tools to remove the O-ring tools. They can cause axial scratches across the O-ring grooves resulting in refrigerant leaks.







6. Remove the A/C tube lock coupling spring with a small hooked wire.

CAUTION: Do not use a screwdriver or similar tool to remove the A/C tube lock coupling spring; this can cause axial scratches across the O-ring grooves resulting in refrigerant leaks.

CLEANING







1. Fabricate a cleaning tool from a 1/8 inch diameter brazing rod.







2. Cut an abrasive pad from maroon colored 3M Scotch Brite(R) with the dimensions corresponding to the coupling size.







3. Assemble the pad to the tool.
4. Coat the abrasive pad with PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R-134a Systems) F7AZ-19589-DA (Motorcraft YN-12-C) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSH-M1C231-B.
5. Roll the pad on the tool and install it in a variable speed drill motor.







6. Polish for 1 minute at moderate speed (less than 1500 rpm) or until the surface is clean and free of scratches or debris.

CAUTION: Maintain low speed drill rotation when inserting or removing the cleaning tool to prevent axial scratches which may cause future leaks.

7. Clean the fitting with a lint-free cloth.
8. Inspect the surface for grooves or scratches. If grooves and scratches are still present, replace the component.







9. Clean the O-ring grooves with a 300 mm (12 inch) length of natural fiber string.
^ Loop the string around the grooves and pull the string back and forth.
10. Remove any debris from the grooves with a lint-free cloth.

CONNECT







1. Install the A/C tube lock coupling spring.







2. Lubricate the inside of the coupling with PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R-134a Systems) F7AZ-19589-DA (Motorcraft YN-12-C) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSH-M1C231-B.







3. Install the O-ring seals.
^ Lubricate the O-ring seals with PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R-134a Systems) F7AZ-19589-DA (Motorcraft YN-12-C) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSH-M1C231-B.

CAUTION: Use only new green O-rings. The use of any O-ring seals other than specified may result in intermittent leakage during vehicle operation.







4. Connect the spring lock coupling fittings with a twisting motion until the A/C tube lock coupling spring snaps over the flared end of the female fitting.






5. Install the A/C tube lock coupling clip.