Looking for a new electronic a/c leak detector
Looking for a new electronic a/c leak detector, suggestions and opinions appreciated.
I don't have any suggestions, but I recently read that the tips are a consumable and need to be routinely replaced. I've never heard this mentioned before…
I have neveer had a r134 leak detector I feel was trust worthy. Sprung for the bullseye system from Bernie/ats and have been very happy (at least with test results, but not bank account :-)
Do you want a big, finicky, highly sensitive unit or a small, easier to use, less sensitive handheld unit?
Our experience at CTI is that technique is much more important than tool brand as long as it meets current J standards. Travel speed, distance, position and environment is all important. IE: If refrigerant is heavier than air why are you checking the top of a fitting? Is there a breeze in the shop or a fan on? Are there contaminants in the area causing false triggers? Really easy to blame the…
My old ac detector broke about 2 years ago and I started using soapy water in a spray bottle and found that works better than any of the hand held beeper devices. For me anyway. I always found the beeping to be inaccurate and would lead off in the wrong direction. Now I just give all the system a good visual inspection and where I see dampness of a suspected leak I charge up the system a bit and…
I'd have to agree…charging with nitrogen and a special concoction of soapy water with glycerin has proved to be the most reliable -IMO One thing I'd add is that a system cool to the touch seems to work best, not always possible because of time constraints. On occasion I'll leave it till the following day. I use a Robinaire electronic sniffer for cores.
What is your recipe? I like the glycerin idea.
Stolen from others with less hair lol 1 litre water 4 table spoons dish detergent ( I use Dawn 4x ) 2 tea spoons glycerin - all about surface tension
They say to let it sit in an open container overnight before use? I follow that instruction but make a larger batch
I charge with nitrogen and use the inficon ultrasonic leak detector. Works very well. The ultrasonic leak detector is also real handy for finding water and air leaks using the ultrasonic generator. Also somewhat useful on tire leaks. inficon.com/v1/attachment…
The Bullseye leak detection kit is the best thing I have ever used for finding A/C leaks - by far
I have had good luck with the Bacharach HT-10 Pro on all kinds of refrigerant. Very sensitive and reliable where others won't be. Sensitivity can be automatic or manually adjusted. No, it's not cheap! trutechtools.com/Bacharach-H10…
We use a Bacharach as well, best sniffer out there. Very reliable.
yep! best one on the market. You can breathe on it, stick it in your sweaty armpit and it will not go off. Put it next to a very small leak and it will find it. If you have a very big leak you can switch to a large leak, to make it less sensitive so you can get near the leak before it reacts.
Yup. It’s bulky and cumbersome but it’s also the right item. One of the best specialty tool purchases I’ve ever made. Mine is probably 15 years old and has never let me down. It’ the Fluke 88 of refrigerant leak detectors.
Hi Jerry, I prefer to use refrigerant dye and a good strong black light. It works best minimal light, so I cover the area with a blanket. Any leaks in the engine bay can be found. If a system is run long enough, even the AC drain will show a trail of dye after the moisture dries. Many times, I will wait until nightfall to fully inspect an AC system. Of course, I run my own shop, so my hours are…
Jerry, Have a Snap-On it's okay have a Robinair it's okay have an old everco and it's still works. Don't laugh too hard. The one I use the most was given to me for a present came from Harbor Freight and I love it sensitivity adjustment on it that can be adjusted to make it work flawlessly. The main thing with any of them is don't drag the tip through grease and oil. If a compressor has leaked…
New Robinair will do 134A and 1234YF (.05 oz/yr R134a, .0123 oz/yr R1234yf) robinair.com/products/ld7-p… youtu.be/5ALnB47_0Jg
Tracer Gas Leak Detector The LD9-TG features sensor technology designed to detect a 5% hydrogen / 95% nitrogen tracer gas mixture robinair.com/products/trace…