R-124

TECHNICAL
SERVICE MANUAL
TRAINING
MANUAL
LOKRING
TubeTube
LOKRING Connection System
Connection System

W110254738
 FORWARD
This Whirlpool Technical Training Manual, (Part No. W11025473), provides the In-Home Service
Professional with training information for the “LOKRING Tube Connection System.”

The Wiring Diagrams used in this Service Manual are typical and should be used for training purposes
only. Always use the Manuals and Literature provided with the individual tools and equipment when
performing repairs. Always use the Tech Sheet and Wiring Diagrams supplied with the product when
servicing the refrigerator.

For specific operating and installation information on the model being serviced, refer to the “Use and
Care Guide” or “Installation Instructions” provided with the refrigerator.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of this Service Manual is to provide information that will enable the In-Home Service
Professional to properly use the LOKRING Tube Connection System to repair refrigerator sealed sytems in
the Whirlpool family of brands.

The objectives of this Service Manual are to:

• Understand and follow proper safety precautions.
• Successfully perform necessary repairs.
• Successfully return the refrigerator to its proper operational status.

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION assumes no responsibility for any repairs made on our

products by anyone other than authorized In-Home Service Professionals.

LOKRING is a registered trademark of Lokring Technology, LLC, used with permission.

Copyright © 2017, Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
ii n LOKRING Tube Connection System
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOKRING Tube Connection System
LOKRING REPAIR PROCEDURE
REFRIGERATOR SAFETY.......................................................................................................................1-1
OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................................................1-2
PRINCIPAL OF OPERATION..................................................................................................................1-2
TOOLS AND MATERIAL........................................................................................................................1-3
HAND ASSEMBLY TOOL.......................................................................................................................1-8
ASSEMBLING A LOKRING FITTING....................................................................................................1-11
ASSEMBLING A LOKRING FITTING ONTO A CAPILLARY TUBE..........................................................1-12
ASSEMBLING A LOKRING FITTING ONE SIDE ...................................................................................1-13
ASSEMBLING A LOKRING FITTING SHORT STUB..............................................................................1-14
QUALITY WORK PROCESSES................................................................................................................1-15

LOKRING Tube Connection System n iii

 LOKRING Repair Procedure
Refrigerator Safety
Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol.

This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.”
These words mean:

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately follow instructions.
DANGER
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.
WARNING
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the
instructions are not followed.

LOKRING Tube Connection System n 1-1

 POSSIBILITY B
Rotate the mo
through 360°
LOKRING Repair Procedure
Principle of Operation
Overview
Lokring is the only Whirlpool non brazing tool approved for sealed
systems. The Lokring Tube Connection System hermetically joins
sealed system tubing , without the need for a torch or solder.
POSSIBILITY C
The system can make connections anywhere in the refrigerator. It
is able to join tubes of any type, including dissimilar metals and Rotate the join
thicknesses. around the en
The ability to join sealed system tubing without a flame is critical
when working on sealed systems with flammable refrigerant
(R600a). Lokring is also beneficial for use with traditional
refrigerants, reducing repair time and repair defects. The system is
capable of making connections anywhere in the refrigerator and is
easy to learn, even for new technicians.

FIGURE 3: Lokprep
Principle of Operation
The Lokring system uses a fitting consisting of two Lokrings and one
Tubular joint to join two tube ends (Figure 1). The hand tool (Figure
2) compresses the fittings over the joint, reducing the diameter of
the connection creating a hermetic seal between the joint and the
tube. Prior to compression, Lokprep, an anaerobic sealant (Figure
3), is applied to fill and seal microscopic imperfections in the
tubing, ensuring hermetic integrity of the joint (Figure 4).

FIGURE 4: Lokprep Sealing Microscopic Imperfections

FIGURE 1: Lokring Fitting
Metal tubes can have longitudinal grooves on the surface from production. These product
can be compensated quite easily by moistening the tube ends to be connected with LOKP
assembly. Thanks to its capillary characteristic, it can even flow into microscopic caviti
out completely. LOKPREP is not an adhesive, rather an anaerobic sealant which harden
exclusion and in contact with free metal ions.

Tools and Material

The Lokring method requires limited tools and materials.
Required tools:
• Tubing Cutter
• Tube Caliper
• Hand Assembly Tool

Required materials:
• Sand Paper
• Lokprep Manual
• Lokprep Sealant
• Appropriately sized fitting
FIGURE 2: Lokring Hand Tool

1-2 n LOKRING Tube Connection System


Select the Correct Lokring Size and Material for Service
About the Lokring Fittings
The Lokring Fittings are composed of a Joint, and two Lokrings.
They are shipped with the Lokrings fitted over the Joint. If
necessary, the Lokrings can be removed from the Joint using
pliers.
How to Select the Correct Fitting
It is important to select the appropriate size and material to
ensure a long lasting, leak free joint.
Lokring fittings are sized and marked using the metric system.
Sizes are available to cover all applications, and range from
1.6mm (1/16”) to 35mm (1 3/8”).
Fittings are available as Union Connectors to join identical sized
tubes, and as Reducing Connectors to join different sized tubing.
Brass and aluminum Lokrings are available. Brass Lokrings may Use the center of the inside measuring blades to measure the
have steel or brass rings depending on the size. Aluminum
joints always use aluminum rings.
Selecting the Correct Material
If either of the tubes being joined is aluminum, always
use an aluminum (AL) Lokring. Due to corrosion only
Aluminum Lokring should be used on the interior of the
Refrigerator compartments. Use a brass (MS) connector
to join any combination of steel or copper tubes (FIGURE
8). It is recommend to use a Heat Shrink covering on
the Lokrings inside the Refrigeration compartments.
Figure 8: Joint Material Chart
LOKRING Repair Procedure
Selecting the correct size
This section covers the proper method to ensure the
approriate sized fitting is selected.
Digital Micrometer-Caliper
It is highly recommended that technicians use a digital caliper
set in the millimeter mode to determine tubing size.
Key steps are highlighted below. Always refer to the
instructions provided with your digital calipers for specific
instructions.
• Change the batteries regularly, or anytime the calipers
indicate a low battery condition.
• Always measure in the millimeter mode.
• Ensure the measuring surfaces are clean and free of
debris.
• Fully close the calipers, if calipers do not read zero
when fully closed, zero the calipers.
Measuring the Tube
tube outside diameter (OD). Tubing can often be oblong, or
out of round. Taking two readings, 90 degrees apart helps
ensure the appropriate size is selected.
1. It is critical to zero your calipers before taking any
measurements. If you skip this step, your subsequent
measurements may not be accurate. Measure the OD of the
first tube, and record.
2. Rotate the digital calipers, 90 degrees. Measure and record
this second reading of the OD.
3. Add these numbers and divide by 2 to get the average OD.
4. Repeat these steps on the second tube to get the average OD.
5. Use the conversion chart on the following pages to select the
correct size fitting.
6. If the OD measurement is between two sizes, try the smaller
size fitting first. Tubes should be measured using a digital caliper
set to the millimeter mode.
Example 7.8 to 8.2 O.D. Uses a 8mm Lokring connector
8.3 to 8.7 uses a 8.5. Lokring connector
LOKRING Tube Connection System n 1-3
 LOKRING Repair Procedure
Select the Correct Lokring Size and Material for Service

Material Types Connector Type

MS = Brass Connector NK = Union Connector
AL = Aluminum Connector NR = Reducing Connector

On each end of the couplings you will see numbers that Identify the Material and the size. You may
need a Magnifying glass to see the numbers embossed on each end of the part.

1-4 n LOKRING Tube Connection System

 LOKRING Repair Procedure

Select the Correct Lokring Size and Material for Service

The tolerance fit generally built into Lokring connectors is as follows.
Lokring capillary tube connectors have a tube O.D. tolerance of plus or minus 0.1 mm and come in sizes
1.8mm, 2mm, 2.2mm
The most popular sizes for US appliances are 1.8 and 2mm.
If the O.D. measurement falls between 2 sizes try the smaller size connector first; “if it doesn’t fit”, use the
Larger connector

2MM = No Grooves 2.2 MM = 2 Grooves 1.8 MM = 3 Grooves

It is suggested to use Heat shrink tubing on all dissimilar tubing inside the refrigerator
compartments. Heat Shrink tubing”, not only serves to bundle, protect components Inches To Metric Conversion examples
and other objects, but also provides an environmental seal that can prevent liquid,
gaseous and solid contaminants from reaching sensitive components. The original Capulary tubing
inside diameter of the Heat Shrink tubing must be large enough to slip over the
component to be covered, and the tubing can subsequently be shrunk onto the
component by heating the tubing using a heat gun or other source of thermal energy. 1/16” 1.6

Step (1) is to choose the proper Shrink tubing to cover the Lokring and connecting 5/64” 2.
tubing. Measure the Lokring and enough to cover the complete fitting. Step (2) Complete
the full Lokring process to compress the Lokring. Step (3) move the Heat Shrink tubing 0.87” 2.2
over the Lokring and connecting tubing. Step (4) Use the heats source to properly shrink
the tubing to seal the complete fitting. Connecting tubing

5/32” 4

3/16” 5

1/4” 6

5/16” 8

LOKRING Tube Connection System n 1-5

LOKRING Repair Procedure
Lokring Coupling Part Numbers
Whirlpool single P/N Lokring Identifier Lokring Size Replacement Kit P/N-incl 2 pc
per kit (Couplers Only)
W10894070 Lokprep65G/15 Lokprep65G /15 ml Bottle W10898074 Sealant

W10890087 10.5/8NRMS00 .413"- .313" or 5/16" Brass Reducer W10895710 Coupler

W10890087 8.5/8 NR MS 00 .335" - .313" or 5/16" Brass Reducer W10895713 Coupler

W10890099 8.5/6 NR MS 00 .335"- .250" or 1/4" Brass Reducer W10895716 Coupler

W10890100 8.5/5 NR MS 00 .335"- .197" or 3/16" Brass Reducer W10895720 Coupler

W10890102 8/6 NR MS 00 .313" or 5/16" - .250" or 1/4" Brass Reducer W10895723 Coupler

W10890106 8/5 NR MS 00 .313" or 5/16" - .197" or 3/16" Brass Reducer W10895724 Coupler

W10890114 7.5/6 NR MS 00 .295" - .250" or 1/4" Brass Reducer W10895738 Coupler

W10890115 7/6 NR MS 00 .275" - .250" or 1/4" Brass Reducer W10895748 Coupler

W10890117 7/5 NR MS 00 .275" - .197" or 3/16" Brass Reducer W10895750 Coupler

W10890121 6/5 NR MS 00 .250" or 1/4" - .197" or 3/16" Brass Reducer W10895757 Coupler

W10890124 6/4 NR MS 00 .250" or 1/4" - .156" or 5/32" Brass Reducer W10896676 Coupler

W10890126 6/2 NR MS 00 .250" or 1/4" - .079" Brass Reducer W10896677 Coupler

W10890128 6/1.8 NR MS 00 .250" or 1/4" - .071" Brass Reducer W10896678 Coupler

W10890131 5/4 NR MS 00 .197" or 3/16" - .156" or 5/32" Brass Reducer W10896689 Coupler

W10891056 8 NK MS 00 .313" or 5/16" Brass Connector W10896690 Coupler

W10891057 6 NK MS 00 .250" or 1/4" Brass Connector W10896709 Coupler

W10891058 5 NK MS 00 .188" or 3/16" Brass Connector W10896710 Coupler

W10891060 4 NK MS 00 .156" or 5/32" Brass Connector W10896711 Coupler

W10891061 3 NK MS 00 .118" Brass Connector W10896712 Coupler

W10890241 8/2.2NRAL00 .313" or 5/16"- .087" Alum Reducer W10896713 Coupler

W10890290 8/2NRAL00 .313" or 3/8"- .079" Alum Reducer W10897193 Coupler

W10890291 8/1.8NRAL00 .313" or 3/8"- .071" Alum Reducer W10897194 Coupler

W10891067 8 NK AL 00 .313" or 5/16" Alum Connector W10897195 Coupler

W10891719 6 NK AL 00 .250" or 1/4" Alum Connector W10897196 Coupler

W10894058 6 VS MS 00 .250" or 1/4" Brass Stopper W10897197 Coupler

W10592358 6 NF MS SV .250" or 1/4" Charging Tube w/ Schrader W10913906 Coupler

Valve
W10894059 7NAV .275" Ext For Compressor Stub W10897198 Coupler

W10894060 7.5NAV .295" Ext For Compressor Stub W10897199 Coupler

W10894061 8NAV 5/16" Ext For Compressor Stub W10897200 Coupler

1-6 n LOKRING Tube Connection System

 LOKRING Repair Procedure

Lokring tool kit and kit part numbers

Lokring Identifier Lokring Size Whirlpool Part Number

Number
VME5 Pre-Assembly Tool 3/16" W10898067 Tool
VME6 Pre-Assembly Tool 1/4" W10898068 Tool
VME8 Pre-Assembly Tool 5/16" W10898070 Tool
NAV11 NAV Assembly Tool W10898071 Tool
NAV-E6 NAV Assembly Tool Insert W10898072 Tool
NAV-E8/7 NAV Assembly Tool Insert W10898073 Tool

Lokprep65G/15 Lokprep65G /15 ml Bottle W10898074 Sealant

HMRK-V Manual Hand Tool Double W10898075 Tool
Hinged Handles
MB8 Assembly Jaws for up to 5/16" W10898076-Need Qty 2 Tool
MB10 Assembly Jaws for up to 3/8" W10898077-Need Qty 2 Tool
CTP 1 Capillary Tube Cutters W10898078 Tool
EMERY Emery Cloth 9x11 W10898079 Cloth
LRSZ 120 Degree Tube Cutter W10898080 Tool

Tool Box-Metal only no tools or W11026893

fittings
Tool Box-Metal, Tools & W10911009 Tool Kit
Coupler Service Kit Complete

LOKRING Tube Connection System n 1-7

LOKRING Repair Procedure

Single Lokring Coupling Part Numbers inside the kit

1-8 n LOKRING Tube Connection System

 LOKRING Repair Procedure
About the Hand Assembly Tool

The Hand Assembly Tool (Figure 5) is used to joint the two tube Push Pin Out to Remove Jaw
ends using the Lokring fittings.

The tool has removable jaws (Figure 6), allowing the appropriately
sized jaws to be installed for the job. The majority of the Lokrings
used for refrigeration will use the 8mm on both sides of the tool.
However we do use the 10mm Jaw on one side of the tool for a few
fittings. Recommend to use the jaw that fits the Lokring firmly.

Each handle of the tool has a release lever (Figure 6). The
release levers are used to open the jaws to receive the Lokring
fitting (Figure 7). Each release lever allows the orientation
of the handles to be modified, permitting access to hard
to reach places. By releasing the Lever you are setting the
Ratchet assembly. Setting the ratchet allows the ratchet
device continuous linear or rotary motion in only one
direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction.
Reminder: after completing every Lokring fitting clean the Lokring
and Jaws with a dry cloth.
Swing Out Release Lever
to
Open Jaws
to
Position Handles

Figure 6: Removable Jaws and Handle Release Levers

Figure 5: Hand Assembly Tool

Close-up of the release lever

Figure 7: Jaws Open to Receive Lokring Fitting

LOKRING Tube Connection System n 1-9

LOKRING Repair Procedure
Service Technician Use Only
Left Handed Operation Right Handed Operation

Hold tool with Release Levers facing towards you. Hold the tool with the release levers facing away from you.
Pull down the ratchet release lever using your left thumb. Pull down the ratchet release lever with your right index finger.

While holding the lever use a pushing motion in direction of While holding the lever use a pushing motion in direction of
arrow to open tool until jaws are fully open. arrow to open tool until jaws are fully open.

1-10 n LOKRING Tube Connection System

 LOKRING Repair Procedure
Service Technician Use Only
Left Handed Operation Right Handed Operation

After the tool is fully open, fold the ratchet handle back After the tool is fully open, fold the ratchet handle back
against the fixed handle as shown. against the fixed handle as shown.
Place your thumb against the handle to hold the tool open. Place your thumb against the handle to hold the tool open.
Grab both handles with your other hand. Grab both handles with your other hand.

This frees your other hand to hold the tubes and connector.

LOKRING Tube Connection System n 1-11

 LOKRING Repair Procedure
Assembling a Lokring Fitting

1. Prepare the Connection 3. Apply Lokprep

1. Use the tubing cutter to separate the tubing if necessary. 1. Note; There is a 3 minute curing time of the Lokprep. Do not apply
2. Check for and remove any burs on the tube end. unless the Lokring Fitting will be completed within this time.
3.Clean the tube end with sandpaper, rubbing around the 2. Then back the tubing out about 1/4”before adding Lokprep, Apply
circumference of the tube. one drop of Lokprep. Then fully insert the tubing into the Lokring

4. Rotate fitting
1. Rotate the fitting 360* after fully inserting tubing. This is to
evenly distrubute the Lokprep evenly around the complete tubing.

2. Insert Fitting
1. Push Joint onto the tubing until it reaches the inner stop. At
this time verify the Lokring you have chosen is a correct fit.
2. If applicable, insert other side of Joint onto the other side
of the tubing.

5. Compress Lokrings
1. Insert Lokring fitting into jaws of hand tool. Ensure the fitting
remains up against the marked line on the tubing. 2. Ratchet the
tool closed, compressing the Lokrings until they are flush to the
assembly stop of the joint.

6. Important!
Wait 3 minutes before applying vacuum, pressure or force. This allows the Lokprep to cure before proceeding.
Reminder: after completing every Lokring fitting clean the Lokring and Jaws with a dry cloth.
1-12 n LOKRING Tube Connection System
 LOKRING Repair Procedure
Installing Lokring Fittings onto Capillary Tubes

Lokring reducers for capillary connections such as at the evaporator inlet, or drier outlet, do not have an
internal stop at the capillary side of the connector.
This section provides additional guidance for installing capillary tubes. Follow guidance on the previous
page for the other, non-capillary side of the fitting.

1. Prepare the Connection 3. Bend the Capillary Tube

1. Use the tubing cutter to separate the tubing if necessary. 1. Place a slight bend into the capillary tube, as shown,
2. Clean the capillary tube end with sandpaper, rubbing creating a stop for the capillary tube.
around the circumference of the tube. 2. Complete Steps 1-4 on the previous page, for the other
piece of tubing.

4. Apply Lokprep to Capillary Tube

2. Insert Capillary Tube
1. Pass the capillary tube all the way through the properly
sized Lokring Connector as shown, so that it just emerges
from the other end.
1. Pull the Capillary tube back slightly (about 1/8”)
2. Apply only a single drop of Lokprep where the tube meets
the fitting. Too much Lokprep or too close to the end may
block the cap tube.
3. Rotate the fitting 360° to disperse Lokprep evenly around
the tubing.

Note: Tubing smaller than (1/4’ or 6mm) Apply Lokprep while tubing is partially inserted in the Lokring.

LOKRING Tube Connection System n 1-13

 LOKRING Repair Procedure
This is showing a
completed/compressed
Lokring.

Notice the joint and Lokring

placement. You now will
see the joint extended
outside the Lokrings.
Reminder: after completing
every Lokring fitting clean
the Lokring and Jaws with a
dry cloth.

Pre-assemble one side of the fitting coupling at a time.

It is possible to Pre-assemble one side of the fitting joint at a time. There are three sizes of drive blocks that will act as a bypass.
Figure (1) there are three different sizes. Use the proper size for the fitting you are using. In figure (2) you can see how the block
inserts into the Lokring to prevent the Ring from compressing the Joint. Figure (3) is the proper position for the joint to be inserted
into the jaws. Figure (4) is a completed one sided joint to be uses as needed at a later date.

Pre-Assembly Block 3/16” 1/4” and 5/16”

Figure (2)

Figure (1)

Figure (3)

Figure (4)

Insert the block on the side of the joint you will not being crimping.
The block prevents the coupling from compressing. This will allow
the blocked joint to be available for use as needed.
In figure (3) the jaws are secured on the end of the block on one side
and the end of the fitting to be compressed on the other. This will
cause the end with the block the ability to be compressed at a later
time.

1-14 n LOKRING Tube Connection System

 LOKRING Repair Procedure
Included in the Whirlpool kit you will find a short stub kit.
Figure (1) shows the tools and parts needed to extend a compressor stud that is too short to get
the compression tool around the Lokring.
Figure (2) shows the two sides of the Lokring. One side is tapered and one is larger.
On Figure (3)
1. It is very important that after Lokprep is added the tapered side is be inserted first.
2. Then the Compressor Extension insert tool.
3. Last insert the Compressor Extension assembly tool.
4. To secure the joint you need to use a hammer to hit the end of the Compressor Extension
assembly tool. When using this method too much force with the hammer can damage the stud.
You can remove and reinstall the assembly tool to check the fitting progress.

When you have completed the installation of the Lokring be sure to wipe off any excess Lokprep.

LOKRING Tube Connection System n 1-15

 LOKRING Repair Procedure
Quality work processes.

Restricted tubing can be caused by adding too

Two things can cause this bent coupling. Not inserting much Lokprep. If the Lokprep is added too close to
the jaws fully or leaving a buildup of Lokprep on the the end it will seep into the opening of the tubing
jaws. and restrict the tubing.

Jaws not installed fully. It is very important to

Causing a bent coupling
This Jaw has a build up of
Lokprep due to not cleaning
after every use. This will
cause the Lokring to move
while compressing.
fully insert the tool jaws
onto the Lokring. This will
provide even pressure to
the Lokring for proper seal.
This is a properly cleaned
compression jaw
This is too close The best process is to insert
to the opening of the tubing about 50% of
the tubing and will the way. Then add the
cause the Lokprep Lokprep then fully insert
to seep into the the tubing. Final process is
opening. to turn the coupling 360*
to evenly distribute the
Lokprep.

Note: Tubing smaller than (1/4’ or 6mm)

Apply Lokprep while tubing is partially
inserted in the Lokring.

1-16 n LOKRING Tube Connection System

 LOKRING Repair Procedure

NOTICE TO THE TECHNICIAN

It is the responsibility of the Service Technician to comply with all EPA Regulations
and Standards and posses all necessary State and Federal licenses when servicing
refrigerators.

Federal regulations and Standards can be found on the United States Government
EPA Web Site.

State Regulations and Standards and licensing requirements, in most cases, can be
found on the State Government Web Site.

Notes

LOKRING Tube Connection System n 1-17

 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS &
WARRANTY INFORMATION SOURCES

IN THE UNITED STATES:

FOR PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND WARRANTY INFORMATION CALL:
FOR WHIRLPOOL PRODUCTS: 1-800-253-1301

FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WHILE AT THE CUSTOMER’S HOME CALL:

THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE LINE: 1-800-832-7174

HAVE YOUR STORE NUMBER READY TO IDENTIFY YOU AS AN

AUTHORIZED IN-HOME SERVICE PROFESSIONAL

FOR LITERATURE ORDERS (CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER):

PHONE: 1-800-851-4605

FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND SERVICE POINTERS:

www.servicematters.com

IN CANADA:
FOR PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND WARRANTY INFORMATION CALL
PHONE: 1-800-461-5681

FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WHILE AT THE CUSTOMER’S HOME CALL:

THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE LINE: 1-800-488-4791

HAVE YOUR STORE NUMBER READY TO IDENTIFY YOU AS AN

AUTHORIZED IN-HOME SERVICE PROFESSIONAL
 LOKRING
TUBE CONNECTION SYSTEM

W11025473