Spring Lock Coupling

The spring lock coupling is a unique two-piece refrigerant line coupling that is held together by a garter spring. When connected together, two O-rings seal between the two fittings of the connector. A garter spring within the cage of the male fitting expands over the flared lip of the female fitting and prevents connector separation.

Spring Lock Coupling

Refer to the previous illustration and relate the numbered illustrations to the following Steps:

Tools Required:

• Spring Lock Coupling Disconnect Tool T81P-19623-G1 or G2
• Spring Lock Coupling Disconnect Tool T83P-19623-C

To Disconnect the Coupling

1. Discharge the refrigerant from the system following approved procedures. Then, fit Spring Lock Coupling Disconnect Tool T81P-19623-G1/G2 for 3/8 and 1/2-inch couplings or Spring Lock Coupling Disconnect Tool T83P-19623-C for 5/8-inch couplings to the coupling as shown.

   NOTE: Tool T81P-19623-G has been replaced by T81P-19623-G1 and T81P-19623-G2.

2. Close the tool and push the tool into the open side of the cage to expand the garter spring and release the female fitting.

   NOTE: The garter spring may not release if the tool is cocked while pushing it into the cage opening.

3. After the garter spring is expanded, pull the fittings apart.

4. Remove the tool from the disconnected coupling.

To Connect the Coupling

1. Make sure that the garter spring is in the cage of the male fitting. If the garter spring is missing, install a new spring by pushing it into the cage opening. If the garter spring is damaged, remove it from the cage with a small wire hook (do not use a screwdriver) and install a new spring.

2. Clean all dirt or foreign material from both pieces of the coupling.

3. Install new O-rings on the male fitting.

   NOTE: 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.

4. Lubricate the male fitting, O-rings and the inside of the female fitting with clean refrigerant oil.

5. Fit the female fitting to the male fitting and push until the garter spring snaps over the flared end of the female fitting.

6. To ensure coupling engagement, pull on the female fitting and visually check to ensure that the garter spring is over the flared end of the female fitting.