Cleaning Spring Lock Couplings
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Maintain low speed drill rotation when inserting or removing cleaning tool to prevent axial scratches which may cause future leaks.
- Fabricate a cleaning tool from a 1/8 inch diameter brazing rod. See Fig 1. Cut an abrasive pad from maroon colored 3M Scotch Brite® with dimensions corresponding to coupling size. See ABRASIVE PAD SIZE table. Assemble pad to tool. See Fig 2.
- Coat abrasive pad with PAG Refrigerant Compressor Oil or equivalent. Roll pad on tool and install it in a variable speed drill motor.
- Polish for one minute at moderate speed (less than 1,500 RPM) or until surface is clean and free of scratches or foreign material. See Fig 3.
- Clean fitting with a lint-free cloth. Inspect surface for grooves or scratches. If grooves and scratches are still present, install a NEW component. Clean "O" ring seal grooves with a 12 inch (300 mm) length of natural fiber string. Loop string around grooves and pull string back and forth. See Fig 4.
- Remove any foreign material from grooves with a lint-free cloth.
ABRASIVE PAD SIZE
| Coupling Size | Pad Size |
|---|---|
| 3/8" | 1 x 2" (25 x 50 mm) |
| 1/2" | 1 x 2" (25 x 50 mm) |
| 5/8" | 1 x 3" (25 x 76 mm) |
| 3/4" | 1 x 4" (25 x 102 mm) |