Spring Lock Coupling

SPRING LOCK COUPLING

Spring Lock Coupling:

SPECIAL TOOL(S)

DISCONNECT







1. Remove the A/C tube lock couping clip, if equipped.







2. Fit the special 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. CAUTION: Do not use metal tools to remove the O-ring seals. They can cause axial scratches across the O-ring seal grooves, resulting in refrigerant leaks.

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







6. 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 seal grooves resulting in refrigerant leaks.

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

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) or equivalent.
5. Roll the pad on the tool and install it in a variable speed drill motor.







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

Polish for one minute at moderate speed (less than 1,500 rpm) or until the surface is clean and free of scratches or foreign material.

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







9. Clean the O-ring seal 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 foreign material 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) or equivalent.







3. CAUTION: Use only the new O-ring seals. The use of any O-ring seals other than those specified in the Ford Master Parts Catalog may result in intermittent leakage during vehicle operation.

Install the O-ring seals.
- Lubricate the O-ring seals with PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R-134a Systems) or equivalent.







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.