Section 10-01: Fuel Tank, Filter and Electric Fuel Pump
1993 Mustang Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Spring Lock Coupling

Tools Required:

The spring lock coupling is a fuel line coupling held together by a garter spring inside a circular cage. When the coupling is connected together, the flared end of the female fitting slips behind the garter spring inside the cage of the male fitting. The garter spring and cage then prevent the flared and of the female fitting from pulling out of the cage. As a redundant locking feature, a horseshoe shaped retaining clip is incorporated to improve the retaining reliability of the spring lock coupling.



 

Removal

  1. Release fuel system pressure as outlined in Fuel System Pressure Relief.
  1. Remove retaining clip from spring lock coupling by hand only. Do not use any sharp tool or screwdriver as it may damage the spring lock coupling.
  1. Twist fitting to free it from any adhesion at the O-ring seals.
  1. Fit Disconnect Tool D87L-9280-A (3/8-inch) (Yellow) or D87L-9280-B (1/2-inch) (Green) or equivalent to coupling.
  1. Close tool and push into open side of cage to expand garter spring and release female fitting.
  1. After garter spring is expanded, pull fittings apart.
  1. Remove tool from disconnected coupling.
 

Installation

  1. Ensure that garter spring is in cage of male fitting. If garter spring is missing, install a new spring by pushing it into cage opening. If garter spring is damaged, remove it from cage with a small wire hook (do not use a screwdriver) and install a new spring.
  1. Clean all dirt or foreign material from both pieces of coupling.

     WARNING: USE ONLY THE SPECIFIED O-RINGS AS THEY ARE MADE OF A SPECIAL MATERIAL. THE USE OF ANY O-RING OTHER THAN THE SPECIFIED O-RING MAY ALLOW THE CONNECTION TO LEAK INTERMITTENTLY DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.

  1. Replace missing or damaged O-rings. Use only O-rings listed in Spring Lock Coupling illustration.

    Lubricate male fitting and O-rings and inside of female fitting with clean engine oil.

  1. Fit female fitting to male fitting and push until garter spring snaps over flared end of female fitting.
  1. Ensure coupling engagement by pulling on fitting and visually checking to ensure garter spring is over flared end of female fitting.

    NOTE: All vehicles require the large, black clip to be installed on the supply side fuel line and the small, gray clip to be installed on the return side fuel line.

  1. Position retaining clip over metal portion of spring lock coupling. Firmly push retaining clip onto spring lock coupling. Ensure that horseshoe portion of clip is over the coupling. Do not install retaining clip over rubber fuel line.