A new leak detector for my van....?

[timebuilder]

As some of you know, my van disappeared from a parking lot in Northeast Philly nearly two years ago. Most of the tools have finally been replaced.

The first leak detection tool I replaced was my Amprobe ultrasonic listening device. I just pressurize with N and listen for the sound. I'm surprised at how effective it has been.

There are times, though, when I miss my old CPS Leak seeker 790A. Of course, that was a holdout from the early 1990's.

Now, I keep hearing about varying opinions about the H10 and the D-Tek brands. Apparently, like Neumann microphones, not all H10's are seen as equal.

So, I'd like to hear your recommendations, with reasons given, for a leak detector to add to my truck.

Common refrigerants being used include:

R22, 410a, 404a, 134a.

If you had to buy a leak detector "tomorrow," which would you buy, and why?

[MechAcc]

I have an Inficon D Tek Select then purchased a ZX-1 after listening about all the good things. Was impressed the first time I used it, R22 unit. On the first leak got within one foot of the condenser with the panels installed. The D Tek had to have the panels removed. Both found the leak, the ZX-1 just made it look easier. I would go with either one leaning more towards the ZX-1.

[ascj]

I currently use a first generation D-tek. The few times I use it....it hasn't failed me. Just need to replace the sensor annually.

Maybe it's just me, but I hardly use a sniffer. I would say 90% of leaks can be found with finding the oil stain and bubbles.

Just recently I was doing a PM on a couple of Smardt Chillers. We keep a H10G on site for PM's. H10G picked up a fitting leaking. So I grabbed my D-tek and it pick it up just as easy.

So to the OP, I would probably lean towards to D-tek. That is due to it being battery and alot smaller. As far as the most accurate......you will get mixed answers 20 pages long.

[heavymetaldad]

H10 is the one and only............. by whomever has the license this year.

[Paul Bee]

Zx-1 or H-10 nothing else compares.

[jpsmith1cm]

RLD H-10PM

Mine has been a dead reliable leak detector for many years now.

When I do my part, the leak detector always does it's part.

It is NOT a 'point and shoot' detector like the CPS, DTek, and others are. It requires more input from the user than simply turn it on and go. It has to be calibrated and adjusted before each use.

Now, with that said, I cannot deny the effectiveness of the NEW Dtek Select model that I have been using. It has picked up some VERY small leaks for me.

[DOGBOY]

So how are these zx-1's working out? Any false signals? How well does it pick up on 410-A? I am using a johnson controls h10G and it is finicky at picking up 410-A. It seems that to find a leak I have to go ssslllooowww. Once I do find the leak it will actually come and go every few minutes. :gah:

So would like a good detector for 410-A.

dogboy

[nratom45-70]

So how are these zx-1's working out? Any false signals? How well does it pick up on 410-A? I am using a johnson controls h10G and it is finicky at picking up 410-A. It seems that to find a leak I have to go ssslllooowww. Once I do find the leak it will actually come and go every few minutes. :gah:

So would like a good detector for 410-A.

dogboy

How old is your H-10? I just bought an h-10pm but haven't tried it on 410-A
yet. I also have a ZX-1 that seems to work ok on 410A but I have to go very slow with it, and I'm never qiute sure if it's a false alarm, or not.

[nratom45-70]

Zx-1 or H-10 nothing else compares.

I hope your right I just bought a Mars new H-10pm on ebay for $227.00 I already have a ZX-1.

[DOGBOY]

How old is your H-10? I just bought an h-10pm but haven't tried it on 410-A
yet. I also have a ZX-1 that seems to work ok on 410A but I have to go very slow with it, and I'm never qiute sure if it's a false alarm, or not.

my h-10 is 10 years old, last time i sent it off for repairs was 2 years ago. works fantastic on r-22, no false signals and finds super small leaks in seconds.

dogboy