How much Freon should be added to the Besturn B50?

[Kinsley]

The Besturn B50 requires an annual addition of 10% to 15% Freon. When the pressure gauge indicates normal levels, immediately rotate the piercing pin in the can tap clockwise to its lowest position and tighten it, then move the low-side port connector of the air conditioning system. Introduction to Freon: Freon is a common refrigerant with many varieties, including R22, R32, R134a, etc. Freon is typically a gas at room temperature and pressure, with a slight aromatic odor. Under low temperature and high pressure, it appears as a transparent liquid. It can mix in any proportion with halogenated hydrocarbons, monohydric alcohols, or other organic solvents, and different Freon refrigerants can also mix with each other. Due to its strong chemical stability, thermal stability, low surface tension, easy phase change between gas and liquid, non-toxicity, oil affinity, and low cost, Freon is widely used in industries such as refrigeration, foaming, solvents, aerosols, and cleaning electronic components. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): Hydrochlorofluorocarbon products, abbreviated as HCFCs, mainly include R22, R123, R141, R142, etc. Their ozone depletion potential is only a few percent of that of R11. Therefore, HCFCs are currently considered the most important transitional substitutes for CFCs. Under the Montreal Protocol, R22 is scheduled to be phased out by 2020, and R123 by 2030.

[Jake]

Last year, the air conditioning in my Besturn B50 at home wasn't cooling well. The mechanic at the repair shop said it needed refrigerant recharge. He told me that the Besturn B50 typically requires 500-600 grams of Freon, and it must be added while monitoring with a pressure gauge, not just by feel. The mechanic first used a machine to evacuate the system, then slowly injected it into the low-pressure pipe. He mentioned that during summer heat, the pressure should be maintained at 25-30 psi, and slightly lower in winter. After the recharge, the cold air blew strong, but the mechanic specifically warned that if there's a leak in the pipes, adding more refrigerant won't help. I later learned that regularly cleaning the AC filter can help maintain cooling efficiency longer, and the refrigerant should be completely replaced every five years or so.

[Hunger]

Helped a friend deal with a Besturn B50 air conditioning issue and learned some tricks. This model typically requires around 500 grams of refrigerant, but the actual amount depends on gauge readings. Standard pressure varies with ambient temperature - at 25°C, the low-pressure side should read approximately 25-35 psi. Always check system pressure first: too low may indicate refrigerant leakage, while too high could signal compressor problems. Using an electronic scale for charging is far more accurate than visual estimation. After charging, test-run for ten minutes - vent temperature should drop to about 8°C to pass. Remember never to mix different refrigerant types, with R134a being the most commonly used specification.

[DerekLynn]

Last time I made a fool of myself when adding refrigerant to my Besturn B50. I thought adding three or four cans would be enough, but the mechanic told me the standard amount for this car is about 550 grams, so two 250-gram cans are just right. The key is to observe the temperatures of the high and low-pressure pipes—the low-pressure pipe should frost but not excessively, while the high-pressure pipe should be hot to the touch but still manageable. That time I added too much, causing the compressor to hum loudly, and the cooling performance actually worsened. It only returned to normal after releasing some refrigerant. Parking in the shade to avoid direct sunlight can also protect the air conditioning system. If you notice any strange odors, it’s time to check for refrigerant leaks.