Clutch line coupling problem

[jcwhidby]

I am trying to replace the master cylinder for my clutch and the "white plastic ring" that you're supposed to push in on is not there. I think this is the original line and the truck is 28 years old, so I guess I am not surprised. I just had the slave cylinder replaced. The last slave cylinder used a c-clip retainer but the new one does not.

I am trying to figure out how to disconnect the line without the white plastic ring now. From measuring the one on the new line, it appears to be about the same thickness as a milk jug so I am thinking about cutting a piece of jug and trying to use it to push in and disconnect the coupler. A fuel line tool is too thick. Have any of you run into this before? I'm hoping there is someone smarter than me on this one. Photos of the installed coupler and the new one with the white plastic piece are attached.

 

[Curious Hound]

I think your plan sounds promising. Milk jug may be too thin or weak. But something along those lines should get you there.

 

[jcwhidby]

Thanks. Does anyone know what exactly I am pushing on inside of the female part of the coupler to disconnect the fitting? Is it a wire clip or something similar? A picture of the inside of the coupler would be very helpful.

 

[Curious Hound]

In your picture, you see the white plastic ring, then a narrow portion of the gray piece and then a shoulder. There is an o-ring seal in that narrow area. Pushing the white piece in wedges it under the o-ring and expands it so that the shoulder of the gray piece can slide out. The o-ring is also trapped in a groove in the housing of the coupler.

 

[jcwhidby]

I tried a piece of plastic the same thickness as the white plastic piece on the coupler, didn’t work. Any other ideas? I don’t want to destroy my new slave cylinder and have to pull the transmission.

 

[Jazzer]

Were you able to get your plastic ring depressed into the coupling, as in this video? Lubricant might help.

Click “Watch on youtube in the link.”

 

[broncc]

There is a ring kind of shaped like a star washer that catches on the lip of the clutch hose. The piece of plastic pushes it away from the lip so you can pull it out. Beer can or milk jug could work. I think its too tight in there for fuel/ac line tools.

You are spreading the gray part apart. Hopefully this mspaint drawing makes sense.

 

[jcwhidby]

That does help, thanks. Here are some pictures of the inside of a new coupling that I took at my friendly local NAPA this morning.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Oof, might need something thicker, maybe try a layer of electrical tape on the inside of the milk jug or something to thicken it up gradually, also you will likely have to push in a little on the clutch line to help the tangs disengage from the aluminum...

 

[jcwhidby]

Got it disconnected, thanks to all who replied. Found a plastic cup of the same thickness as the white plastic ring on the new line and cut it to size as shown in the video referenced above. Used the Ford special disconnect tool to push the piece of plastic into the coupler and the line came out with no further issues. Installed the new master cylinder and line and back on the road.

 

[Curious Hound]

Good job. We all know that wasn’t fun.

 

[Jazzer]