Checking the emissions of a vehicle are within regulations, finding leaks in the exhaust system, and even measuring engine efficiency are all jobs that are possible using an exhaust gas analyzer. These modern and advanced systems offer a range of functionality that mean they are becoming an essential part of a mechanic's arsenal in tracking down any maintenance issues with cars and trucks, and making the first steps towards getting the problem fixed.



In its simplest form, an exhaust gas analyzer simply measures the types of gas that are present in a sample, and provides a reading to the operator to show them its findings. They are most usually used in order to search for leaks in a vehicle exhaust system, and to measure emissions. An exhaust gas analyzer can find various gasses in a vehicle exhaust including carbon monoxide, as well as being able to locate potential sources of fire where unburned fuel is released and can combust on contact with hot areas.

Quite often, if there is a problem with the engine management system of a vehicle, the first sign of this will be that fuel is not being supplied to the engine in the right proportion compared to air. When this happens, the engine is unable to run as efficiently as it is designed to. The upshot of this inefficiency can come in two forms. Either the engine will not be able to provide the necessary power that is normally available, or alternatively, the car will begin to use a lot more fuel. An exhaust gas analyzer will tell a mechanic what the problem with an engine is quickly and efficiently, allowing him to get on with the job of fixing the malfunction.

Every modern auto shop needs a high quality exhaust gas analyzer in order to be able to carry out work on modern cars with complex computer controlled engine management systems in place on them. Without the correct diagnosis and analysis tools in place, correcting problems with modern cars is extremely difficult, even for a fully trained mechanic.

Exhaust gas analyzers come in a range of forms, and at many different price points, so they can be a complicated tool to buy. The most important aspect of choosing an exhaust gas analyzer is to ensure that it does everything that you want it to. These systems range from basic probes with a single line display that simply tells you whether a particular gas is present or not through to highly technical systems that connect to a personal computer, and provide a complete breakdown of the exhaust gases, and are highly accurate.

At the bottom end of the market in terms of price, but not quality, you can find exhaust gas analyzers such as the Universal Enterprises CD2000. This basic system, which retails for between $250 and $300 is simple to use, and easy to set up, although as one of the most basic pieces of equipment on the market, its abilities are pretty much limited to ?sniffing? out leaks in the exhaust system and engine block, and sounding a buzzer when gas is present.

By moving into the slightly higher price band of around $1,000, you can get an exhaust gas analyzer that will do a lot more than simply find a leak. The Vacutec LD601 is a high quality diagnostic machine that is able to use smoke to locate and mark leaks throughout the EVAP and exhaust system. In order to make using the system as easy as possible, many of its functions have been automated so you can concentrate on the results.

When it comes to state of the art technology, and complete functionality, a tool like the OTC 3732 exhaust gas analyzer is hard to beat. Although it retails for around $10,000, you get a tool that will revolutionize any workshop, lead to greater efficiency throughout, and bring a new level of professional ability to the whole diagnosis program. Not only will it find leaks in any car exhaust system, it will give the mechanic a full breakdown of its findings. The OTC 3732 will connect to a printer and a modem in order to communicate with PC and let you apply even more technology to getting to the root of a problem faster than ever.