Ultrasonic leak detectors: Amprobe any good?

[belfert]

I'm looking at getting an ultrasonic leak detector to find leaks in my air system.  Is Amprobe any good?

My air system tends to hold air really good in the warm months above about 50 degrees or so, but loses air rapidly at 40 degrees or below.  My last trip a few weeks ago at 30 to 40 degrees my front air gauge was reading 105 and my rear was readng 110.  I am used to both being closer to 120 so I need to check things out.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Brian,

US leak detectors are quite expensive..

You might want to try using a SM150 Sound Level Meter by CPS. It is about half the price and can pick up a leaf tumbeling in the street.

http://www.cpsproducts.com/site/elements/PDF/CPSLT2008.pdf
Go to the bottom of page 20

Good Luck
Nick-

[belfert]

I've been able to find the Amprobe on Ebay for just over $100.  There is also an Infincon Whisher that can be purchased new for about $200.

Nick, have you actually used the SM150 to detect air leaks on a bus?  It looks like the SM150 is around $200.

[Len Silva]

I don't know about the leak detector but Amprobe is generally well regarded.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

I've been able to find the Amprobe on Ebay for just over $100.  There is also an Infincon Whisher that can be purchased new for about $200.

Nick, have you actually used the SM150 to detect air leaks on a bus?  It looks like the SM150 is around $200.

Brian,
Not yet! but I plan to. One of my mechanics has the SM150 and he has found refrigerant leaks with it in systems
that have taken 6 months leak with laten pressure still in the system.
Good Luck
Nick-

[JackConrad]

I purchased my ultrasonic leak detector from McMaster-Carr.  It is a TIF Instruments model 6600
http://www.mcmaster.com/#1140t12/=19e8n0.  I have had very good luck finding small leaks.  A fellow busnut and I pinpointed a small leak on his bus to a regulator in the engine compartment. We were even able to pinpoint the spot between 2 screws where it was leaking.  Jack