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

[Jim Stone]

I know absolutely nothing about bi-directional scan tools, but I frequently check Fakespot as one source of input on reviews from companies I know nothing about.  FWIW, here is a screenshot of what Fakespot says about this scanner and the company:



> On Apr 11, 2025, at 4:29 PM, 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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