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Spring Lock Coupling: Cleaning

  1. Fabricate a cleaning tool from a 1/8-inch diameter brazing rod.
    Fig 1: Identifying Fabricate Cleaning Tool From A 1/8-Inch Diameter Brazing Rod
    G03282075Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Cut an abrasive pad from maroon colored 3M Scotch Brite® with the dimensions corresponding to the coupling size.
    CLEANING

    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 (1 x 3 inch)
    3/4 inch 25 x 102 mm (1 x 4 inch)
  3. Assemble the pad to the tool.
    Fig 2: Assembling Pad To Tool
    G03282076Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  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.
    Fig 3: Installing Variable Speed Drill Motor
    G03282077Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. 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.
  8. Clean the fitting with a lint-free cloth.
  9. Inspect the surface for grooves or scratches. If grooves and scratches are still present, install a new component.
  10. 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.
    Fig 4: Cleaning O-Ring Seal Grooves With Natural Fiber String
    G03282078Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Remove any foreign material from the grooves with a lint-free cloth.