I'm looking at these two...
I'm looking at these two http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00970915000P?vName=Tools&cName=MechanicsTools&sName=Automotive%20Specialty%20Tools&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a http://www.restockit.com/Provision-2-In-1-Scope-System-w-36-Flexible-Shaft-(SLIPV2636-21).html Are there any techs out there that uses and can provide some insight? Thanks. Bob S.
Don't know this model, but make sure whatever you buy it has the resolution, flexibility and articulation you need. Otherwise you won't be able to see what you want to see around sharp corner in tight places. And you might need tip accessory to see at angle more than the scope's normal articulation range.
These work very well, plus you can download pics to computer/customer files..... http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=VISVS36-10WW&source=froogle&kw=VISVS36-10WW
Adjustable light intensity is important too. Not enough light and in a rough area that does not reflect and you won't see anything and in a cylinder with all the shinny surfaces too much light and it reflects so much you can't see anything either. Also pay attention to the size of the end. If you plan on putting it down spark plug holes many will not fit in the 10 or even the 12 mm plug holes.
Thanks guys. My engine builder has been using the Provision line for a while and likes it so I went with this one which has two wands. http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=37144 Provision is located 10 miles from my house and I think this one is enough for the uses I'll need. Thanks again. Bob S.
I could never see enough detail for what I was looking at with the cheaper units but I use mine numerous time every day and in such could justify the expense. I needed to accurately see the smallest detail in cylinder wall condition and the likes. I have a Medical bronchoscope with remote variable light source, feed through forceps and a video interface. Use the number three as a multiplier and start moving decimal points for this type of unit. That's only the start. Then one has to convince the FDA that I have no intension of practicing medicine and sticking this where it shouldn't be, albeit the Vet across the street.... Look at the Military Surplus stores as the Air Force uses a 7' version to inspect turbines. I had one of these and it was very nice until someone decided to submerge it and look through coolant. Some of the cheaper units are starting to get fairly good optics but you have to spend a few minutes looking through each and see if it is of useable caliber for your needs. Define your suspected uses before shopping then test an idea. As Brian said, bring a caliper with you to measure the diameter. Dave
I ended up with paralysis by analysis on this and didn't buy one. I take that back . . there's one I tried to buy from some tool place but they were out of stock so I gave up. Bought some tiny cameras to play with that don't have quite the resolution or light source you'd expect/hope for from a borescope. let us know what you get and how it works. cheers
I've always had good results with this unit. It has a 180 degree articulating tip. (http://www.etoolcart.com/fiberopticborescopekitmongoose.aspx)
Groit's Garage makes a nice unit that has a LCD built into the handle. It also comes with a 180 degree parabolic mirror, light, and a magnetic retrieval tip. I think it's about $360.00. I've seen the resolution of this unit looking down a spark plug hole and it was quite good. Eastwood is also selling a similar unit which, I believe, has an even-longer 72" fiberoptic wand. NOTE: The quality and resolution of this unit is no where near the units David and Adam would need, but IMO it would be O.K. for us garage mechanics.
I tried using one for engine / header inspection during my engine out and it sucked, too hard to get what you want to see in focus. I'd go for a small camera with LCD screen if possible.
+1. That's what I like about the Griot's Garage unit. It had the LCD and a "video out" jack built into the hand unit. In addition, the fiber optic light was very bright and the magnetic pickup attachment could be a life-saver if, for example, you were removing the intake plenum off of a 308/328 and one of the small nuts fell down the intake runner.
I think I might want to rent that one but it's way beyond what I can do. Interesting though and of course really good tools are a wise investment. I just can't justify this one though. My engine builder likes his Provision enough to recommend it so I'm giving it a try. With the dual sized wands I'm hoping I can use in a couple of ways. Up next is inspecting a couple of gas tanks so I'll let you know. A quick question about those clip on accesory pieces for allowing a side view. Besides having to fit in spark plug hole is there a danger that they could come off inside the cylinder? Bob S.
Just a follow-up. I got the Provision and it seems fine for me. I comes with a screw on mirror tip as welll as a magnetic retrieval tip. And ... wouldn't you know the first thing I have to retrieve is a plastic fuel strainer. I does have two light levels and a slip over more rigid housing to you can use it in two modes. The focus works fine. It seemed to do the trick for my gas tank inspection. At the present time I have no need for internal engine inspections so I can't comment on how it will do there but my engine bulder uses the 18" model. I am going to be using it to check the accelerator pump circuits in the 6 DCOEs on my Espada. It was priced very nicely as well Bob S.
Personally I use the snap-on. It's a bit high on the price but it is worth every penny. Chris Felber European Motorsports & Imports
