Who makes the best borescope for automotive?

I first bought a Snap On BK5500. I liked it because of the size of the wand. Then I traded for a BK6000. These are good borescopes but I was hoping that the picture on the 6000 would be much better. Even though the screen is bigger on the 6000 the picture is not a lot clearer. I think that I have been watching too much HD TV and was expecting it to be A LOT better. I do like the fact that I can capture an image or video if I wanted to. For the money, they are pretty nice.

 

I also have a snap on BK5500 and thought about trading up to the bigger screen, but if it is not any better/clearer it is probably not worth the extra $$$.

I like the snap on because the wand is small enough to fit through a 10mm spark plug hole with the angle attachment on it.

 

without a doubt they are great, I have one myself. They are some much better than the old 'rigid' types. Yes it would be nice if the picture was a bit better but they are pretty good. Have you looked at the flexible optical type? The picture quality is better because you are looking down a fiber optic tube that can be shaped similar to the Snap-on's. They also have a light on the end for excellent illumination and you can also get them with an optional ultraviolet light for use with uv dyes for fluid leak detection. I use mine after recharging air conditioning systems. I include ultraviolet dye along with the refrigerant and then after a couple of hours of running I use the borescope to have a look at the evaporator for leaks. It is a definative test and is better than even a good quality electronic leak detector.

 

I think it's time to get my glasses Rx checked. For a moment, I thought the thread was looking for the best automotive horoscope.

 

Now that's one tool I'd really like to have! ;>)

 

I have a BK5500 and use it a lot. I paid just over $400 for mine. One of my racing buddies recently brought over a General model 1600 and I was blown away by how much better the image was. It cost about 3 times more so I guess you get what you pay for (actually his was given to him by one of his sponsors). The data logging feature is way cool as you can port the image out to a monitor or move the captured images out for even better resolution on your computer. Oh, and the end tip on the General is less than half the size of my Snap On.

Rick

 

Yes it is.

 

A Brochoscope would be best IMHO-I used a Laproscope and found it to be too cumbersome..
Thes are much, MUCH more expensive, but offer a view unknown, or more appropriately, unexperienced by the Automobile practitioner.

These surgical intstruments are 30K plus NIB, and are 5k+ used on eBay...check 'em out
Remeber, they requre a "light source" and either an MD's "ticket" and or a DEA/FDA id #-if memory serves me correctly.
The detail is astounding...truly..

 

Had the Griot's Garage one, and it was just not sharp or bright enough. Their customer service is stellar--they took it back.

I realized how much I'd love to have one, though. Heading to fleabay for a cursory look.

 

Man, that is just bad to the bone...note the USB:

Bright TFT Display
Revolutionary mobility, no need to transport large multiple components
Compact, palm-sized unit includes LED light source, TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display, camera and recorder
Takes still photos and dynamic video in realtime
Internal SD memory allows user to save a whole video and output later
TV monitor output, Computer USB output
Datalogging function
Multiple mirrored viewing tips and extra wide view angle
Multiple video formats compatible with most software including Windows Media Player
No special software required
Rechargeable batteries can record for 4 hours

I am totally in love.
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That's really nice. When I researched this a while back I ended up buying some miniature cameras that I could stick down the plug hole on the end of a welding wire ... the light source is something I didn't get worked out which is essential for proper viewing though so it's not the best solution.

 

well I also have the snap on (6000) and just have to say I think it's dreadful. O.k so for the price I wasn't expecting miracles, but the picture is, at best, unclear, and the 90 degree angle mirror is cumbersome. Because it has no lense over the mirror dust and particles always destroy the image. I'm on the lookout for a much better quality one if there are any pro suggestions?

 

Have a look into what the aviation industry uses for looking into jet engines. Lots of variation out there. The one I use at work is sensational. Great magnification, easy joystick use and a great tv screen. It comes in a box the size of a suitcase, but I can't remember the brand name. I'll have a look tomorrow and let people know.

 

I found this forum doing a search on borescopes. I have one that I believe was used in the aviation business. It is a Machida brand, but has been in storage nearly 28 years. Appears new, in case. Does anyone have any idea if this is could be of use to anyone? Would like to get rid of it, but know nothing about it. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Expect to pay in excess of $4K, but check out, BorescopesRUs.com. Plenty of aircraft units there.

 

Good viewing and inexpensive is the scope and remote monitor from Harbor Freight. Adjustable light source and good pic quality. We use it at work all the time for various problems.Say ahhhh. It's about 3 feet long and flexable with about a 1/2 inch camera. But I do like that general model it looks like another toy for Christmas

 

Have found a new borescope that I believe is worth mentioning, the C2 camera from SEP Products, www.C2camera.com. There is a review in the October issue of PTEN magazine under Tool Review page 61 or go to vehicleservicepros.com The camera has both white LED & UV light for leak detection which can be downloaded to a PC using a USB cable.
Osprey8