[Shop-talk] bi-directional scan tool and smoke

[Jeff Scarbrough]

Since I do all the work on my 50 year old cars, but take the newer ones to
someone who already has the equipment and pay them instead, my only comment
is that a lifetime subscription to updates will last only as long as they
are doing business under that name.  If it's not otherwise update able,
then on some level it's a bit of a gamble.



On Fri, Apr 11, 2025, 16:40 Moose <eric at megageek.com> wrote:

> OK, so I have a evap leak and I realize that I need to upgrade to a
> bi-directional scan tool and smoke machine.
>
> I was looking at this unit from Bosch... ADS525X
>
> https://www.amazon.com/BOSCH-3945-Professional-Diagnostic-Wireless/dp/B08D3X6QBZ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lYQwkiu--RYm6Yt-uGPK30Bv3wx2aPOZncQOs3-WSx0NUbS9dXU5NLDXomgQCZeb.qs_AKi-xlKGj6QgI_s7OI1lXt3h2xIoCyuYzCI8fru4&dib_tag=se&keywords=bosch+ads+525x&qid=1744402691&sr=8-1
>
> But then I see this one... thinkcar 689 with lifetime updates included.
>
> https://www.amazon.com/Thinkcar-ThinkScan-689-Bidirectional-Diagnostic/dp/B0DCFF7VGF/ref=sr_1_8_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lYQwkiu--RYm6Yt-uGPK30Bv3wx2aPOZncQOs3-WSx0NUbS9dXU5NLDXomgQCZeb.qs_AKi-xlKGj6QgI_s7OI1lXt3h2xIoCyuYzCI8fru4&dib_tag=se&keywords=bosch+ads+525x&qid=1744402691&sr=8-8-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1
>
> So, for the guy that has to work on everyone's car that knows me.  Will
> the thinkcar do the job for a 1/4 of the price (and not have to pay per
> year?)
>
> Or is there a better option?
>
> Note, I've gone this far without one of these, so it will not be used a
> ton, but I'm guessing I'll need it more and more moving forward.
>
> Next, smoke machine leak detector...
>
> Again, I don't need it often, but this is the second time I could use one,
> so I'll buy it.  Will a cheap one work just as good for occasional use?
>
> I do want to get one that can tell if there is a leak as well (built in
> gauge.)
>
> Will this do the trick?
>
> https://www.amazon.com/AUTOOL-Automotive-Detector-Diagnostic-Compatible/dp/B0BGB41DLK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1RWAD4EXSCCHM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-ixQJ35F6pQ1W2mzLt4t0ppkuDp4e5py-xFrW7IGnftqM3WARUHgHEjiXiy0gDZ_mMyldsCf09mVv52ybxABYDlgku7_oZ2bXuXs5ZFNi0xOdcAEOn_adBFvRFdUWl2JQhN0ogtWbsJftxwlgOpRra_5iTFPE4nQwOqgv3Cn4y02j696ANNUDEAeXdj-aUpFHLaEC78bg1cFu_EYqobwZkb0MhU2ahkfOxLgjVP7
> L_w.rd3y-lKbKq3vCiJas-lNhU-CwANjIntKKr4tYcRVbSI&dib_tag=se&keywords=car%2Bsmoke%2Bmachine%2Bleak%2Bdetector&qid=1744403070&sprefix=car%2Bsmoke%2Bmachine%2B%2Caps%2C463&sr=8-4&th=1
> <https://www.amazon.com/AUTOOL-Automotive-Detector-Diagnostic-Compatible/dp/B0BGB41DLK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1RWAD4EXSCCHM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-ixQJ35F6pQ1W2mzLt4t0ppkuDp4e5py-xFrW7IGnftqM3WARUHgHEjiXiy0gDZ_mMyldsCf09mVv52ybxABYDlgku7_oZ2bXuXs5ZFNi0xOdcAEOn_adBFvRFdUWl2JQhN0ogtWbsJftxwlgOpRra_5iTFPE4nQwOqgv3Cn4y02j696ANNUDEAeXdj-aUpFHLaEC78bg1cFu_EYqobwZkb0MhU2ahkfOxLgjVP7L_w.rd3y-lKbKq3vCiJas-lNhU-CwANjIntKKr4tYcRVbSI&dib_tag=se&keywords=car%2Bsmoke%2Bmachine%2Bleak%2Bdetector&qid=1744403070&sprefix=car%2Bsmoke%2Bmachine%2B%2Caps%2C463&sr=8-4&th=1>
>
> Finally,
> Anyone in the NJ area that wants to use these ever, swing on by (this is
> so I can justify the cost!)
>
> Thanks!
> Moose
>
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