Spring Lock Coupling: Cleaning
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Fabricate a cleaning tool from a 1/8 inch diameter brazing rod.
- Cut an abrasive pad from maroon colored 3M Scotch Brite(R) with the dimensions corresponding to the coupling size.COUPLING SIZE
Coupling Size Pad Size 3/8 inch 25 x 50 mm (1 x 2 inch) 1/2 inch 25 x 50 mm (1 x 2 inch) 5/8 inch 25 x 76 mm (1x3 inch) 3/4 inch 25 x 102 mm (1 x 4 inch) - Assemble the pad to the tool.
- Coat the abrasive pad with PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil (R-134a Systems) or equivalent.
- Roll the pad on the tool and install it in a variable speed drill motor.
- 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.
- Clean the fitting with a lint-free cloth.
- Inspect the surface for grooves or scratches. If grooves and scratches are still present, install a new component.
- 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.
- Remove any foreign material from the grooves with a lint-free cloth.
CAUTION:
Maintain low speed drill rotation when inserting or removing the cleaning tool to prevent axial scratches which may cause future leaks.