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

[Mark Watson]

Donald,
 
Thanks so much for sharing this tip.  I've been using it for pasting links into emails since this first time I saw it which, I think, was from you.  However, the next habit to be formed is to remember to copy the link, paste it in the URL field, *** delete the tracking crap ***, then press enter.
 
Shop Talk relevant content: I did follow Moose's links and the items looked interesting but I've stepped back from much of the car work due to physical concerns.  I was planning on retiring this year anyway but got lucky and was offered a sweet severance package to leave.  So, I'm going to try to reverse (or at least slow down) those issues because I have a very long mostly self-imposed honey-do list that I need to tackle before everything on my body goes to crap ;-).  And that list includes taking the junk-dump and turning it back into a garage.
 
Thanks again for the helpful tracking-fighting tip!
 
Mark

> On 04/11/2025 7:20 PM EDT dhlocker <dhlocker at protonmail.com> wrote:
>  
>  
> 
> May I point out, again, that in almost all cases, everything in a link that follows a '?' is tracking information that various companies use to follow where you found the link, who posted it, and how far it's propagated.
> 
> The Boxch product can be found at https://www.amazon.com/BOSCH-3945-Professional-Diagnostic-Wireless/dp/B08D3X6QBZ/ref=sr_1_1 without exposing Moose and his search terms to Amazon's tracking system.
> 
> The ThinkScan product can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Thinkcar-ThinkScan-689-Bidirectional-Diagnostic/dp/B0DCFF7VGF/ref=sr_1_8_sspa again, without tracking
> 
> And, finally, the Autotool item: https://www.amazon.com/AUTOOL-Automotive-Detector-Diagnostic-Compatible/dp/B0BGB41DLK/ref=sr_1_4
> 
> Donald.
> 
> On 4/11/25 16:29, Moose 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 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 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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