Anyone familiar with combustion gas testers?

[Anarius]

Hey folks, anyone familiar with combustion gas tester s? My state does not have emissions testing requirements, however I trained on 4 and 5 gas analyzers. One of the "off label" uses of them is to detect hydrocarbons in cooling systems (accurate head gasket test). However, 4/5 gas analyizers are EXPENSIVE for such a modest use. I've come across this http://www.tooltopia.com/tif-instruments-8900.aspx unit and other similar units for a fairly reasonable price. Anyone familiar with these and if they would detect combustion gas from an ICE reaction?

 

[chris142]

We use the blue fluid and squeeze ball

 

[Anarius]

I have the chemical NOX tester as well, but it isn't always reliable. On some vehicles its hard to get a good sample. Plus buying fluid is more money than charging some batteries if the tool I linked would work for this.

 

[mr.speaker]

That works; just sniff around the overflow or radiator fill . Obviously exhaust gases have no business being in the coolant.

Just don't get the "sniffer" wet