Spring Lock Coupling: Cleaning
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Thunderbird. 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® with the dimensions corresponding to the coupling size.
- 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.