AC Loses Freon Problem
Short answer: Before tearing into it, find the leak — a shop recharge may be cheaper than you expect. If converting to 134a, a NAPA-type kit (new O-rings + Ester oil) handles it: drain the old oil via the plug on the bottom of the compressor and add new, lube all new O-rings, replace the receiver-dryer, and flush the evaporator/condenser to remove incompatible old oil.
Use denatured alcohol (not brake cleaner) to flush — brake cleaner is too harsh on old rubber. Replace rubber lines with 134a “barrier” hose (134a permeates ordinary hose). And note: 1969 systems have no pressure/cycling switch (those came in the late ’70s/’80s), so the compressor runs on control power even with no Freon — the compressor running doesn’t mean the charge is OK. A clogged evaporator can also kill cooling.
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Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
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