Inspection Scope - The Inspector

TECH X · August 31, 2007, 11:49:20 PM

Checkout - The Inspector

Apparently this is the best way to detect heat exchanger cracks, with infrared. I think it's around $2000 for the infrared model. I'm supposed to go on this course to learn how to use it.

PeterT · September 01, 2007, 12:53:11 PM

I have that camera in my truck. I even have the DVD and picture book that shows make and model and where to look for cracks in heat exchangers. The problem I have found with this camera is the size of the camera head. If the a-coil is sitting right on top of the furnace there is no way to get in and look around without cutting open the plneum and removing the delts plate on the a-coil. I will drill a hole in the sheet metal under the a-coil if I have room and then make a patch.

TECH X · September 01, 2007, 03:56:16 PM

I use my step bit to cut a hole under every coil, and I just use an inspection mirror to verify the coil is clean.

Your right though, cased coils, like York, that sit directly on the furnace casing are hard to check. Like you said in the other post, removing the primary limit is about the only way. As long as my suction pressure is normal I don't worry too much.

So overall, with the heat exchanger bible and this Inspector tool, do you find it as useful as they claim? Is it worth the $2000?
Do you have the infrared model?

PeterT · September 01, 2007, 08:40:04 PM

I had the same step bit till last week. It is now sitting on top of someone's seconday heat exchanger. It fell out of the chuck just as I drilled through. I got it off E-Bay last year and it worked great. Perfect size for the camera head. I checked at Home Depot and the same one is $99.99CDN plus tax. There was no way to get it back short of ripping the furnace apart.
As far as the picture book goes it is broken down into makes and models. Lets you know where to look for the knowen cracks. Yes I have the infrared model. Can see in the dark great. Use it for more than just heat exchangers. A-coils, blower wheels for dirt,chimmeny liners and flue pipes. It comes in handy.

acefurnacefixer · September 03, 2007, 08:26:25 PM

Quote from: TECH X on September 01, 2007, 03:56:16 PM
I use my step bit to cut a hole under every coil, and I just use an inspection mirror to verify the coil is clean.

Your right though, cased coils, like York, that sit directly on the furnace casing are hard to check. Like you said in the other post, removing the primary limit is about the only way. As long as my suction pressure is normal I don't worry too much.

So overall, with the heat exchanger bible and this Inspector tool, do you find it as useful as they claim? Is it worth the $2000?
Do you have the infrared model?

excellent advise...........the "inspector" has kept us honest !

PeterT · September 04, 2007, 05:22:54 PM

Well I just bought another step bit off E-BAY for $12US with shipping it comes to $22CDN better than paying $99.99 plus tax at Home Depot.

PeterT · September 04, 2007, 05:29:54 PM

I have a picture I saved from the screen of the inspector. It was from a HEIL that was 8 years old. Crack around the o-ring

TECH X · September 10, 2007, 08:12:44 PM

That's pretty clear. I'm looking forward to getting this tool!

I'm going to buy the infrared model. I'm flying to St Louis this Sunday for 3 days of training to learn the in's and out's of this tool. Apparently the 3rd day you ride along with the jedi master and see The Inspector in action. I can't wait to get this heat exchanger bible too, I think I'm up to date as far as heat exchanger crack trends go, hopefully I will learn something new. At the least this tool should make my job a lot easier. Quite frankly my back can't take much more of removing heat exchangers just to inspect them.

PeterT · September 11, 2007, 04:56:04 PM

Just to let you know that the camera I have is non adjustable. Some of the Tech's have the newer version that is adjustable. Makes for better viewing. Can get in real close and not be out of focus.

Peter

TECH X · September 22, 2007, 05:51:15 PM

It was Chicago where I went for this training. I met the inventor Tom O'Conner. He's a great guy and put on a good training program. I learned a few things to help me with sales. I've just been busy Canadianizing his course. I don't think AGA references will get to far in these parts.

I got the Model 400 Red Head with infrared and the remote adjustable focus. It also came with the DVDR video recorder and omni audio recorder.

This equipment should take a lot of liability off the company, and really work well to educate the customer.

Filtration failure! HAHA I love it