Coupler HVAC: Description and Operation

The spring lock coupling is a refrigerant line coupling held together by a garter spring inside a circular cage. The spring lock coupling is used to connect the A/C compressor manifold and tube assembly (inlet) to the TXV manifold and tube assembly (outlet).
- 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 -end of the female fitting from pulling out of the cage.
- Three O-ring seals are used to seal between the thermostatic expansion valve outlet tube and the compressor inlet tube. All other couplings have two O-ring seals.
- These O-ring seals are green in color and are made of special material.
- Use only the green O-ring seals listed in the Ford Master Parts Catalog for the spring lock coupling.
- An A/C tube lock coupling clip is used to secure the coupling.







Peanut Fitting
The A/C condenser core and the connection between the receiver drier manifold assembly (outlet) and the TXV manifold and tube assembly (inlet) use the peanut-shaped refrigerant fittings instead of spring lock couplings.
- The male and female blocks of the peanut fitting are retained with a nut.
- An O-ring seal is installed around the tube on the male block.
- When correctly assembled, the male and female fittings should be flush.