Exhaust Gas Analyzer

I have a customer that brought their 2004 Ford Taurus into my service shop complaining of an exhaust smell in the car. I have looked for all the obvious places exhaust could be leaking but I can't seem to locate anything. Can you recommend a good diagnostic tool to for locating exhaust leaks?

For those hard to locate exhaust leaks, I would recommend acquiring an exhaust gas analyzer to your collection of automotive diagnostic tools. An exhaust gas analyzer will measure the types of gases present in an exhaust as well as locate exhaust leaks. The Universal Enterprise CD2000 exhaust gas analyzer is a good choice if your main need is simply locating a leak in the system. This unit will sniff out the source and sound a buzzer to alert you to its presence.

IR 2135 or the IR 2135 QTI Impact Wrench?

What are the main differences between the Ingersoll Rand 2135 Titanium 1/2 inch impact wrench and the 2135 with Quiet technology? I am considering the getting the Titanium with the quiet technology but I am concerned I may lose some power and if that is the case, I will just get the regular 2135.

Ingersoll Rand produces the highly successful line of Titanium impact wrenches and they have been a big hit in automotive shops across the country. Ingersoll Rand then introduced the IR 2135 QTI impact wrench with Quiet Technology. This reduced the sound level from 101 dBA down to 86 dBA. It is a common misconception that there is a reduction in power due to the reduction in dBA. However, there is no difference between the IR 2135 and the IR 2135 QTI. It is simply a choice of sound preference. For example, ff you work in a small area with bad acoustics, the impact wrench with Quiet Technology may be the choice for you.

A/C Charging Scale

I am considering purchasing an electronic A/C Charging scale for my auto A/C shop. What is a good manufacturer and model that I should consider. Most of my work in the summer is air conditioning and I really need to get accurate measurements of the refrigerant I am adding to systems.


You might consider the Mastercool accu-charge electronic refrigerant scale. This Mastercool product is one of the most advanced A/C charging scales on the market today. Some of the functions of the Mastercool Accu-Charge II are it allows the mechanic to program in the desired amount of refrigerant for each job and an alarm will sound that gives you plenty of time to turn off the charge. This model also has tank capacity programming which allows the mechanic to know the exact amount of refrigerant left in the tank at any given time. So if your looking to upgrade to an electronic A/C charging scale, the Mastercool Accu-Charge II is a good solid choice.

Robinair 15434 A/C Vacuum Pump

I am looking for a good middle of the road A/C vacuum pump for my business. I am now servicing my own fleet of trucks and company cars. I have a really good mechanic that is very proficient in automotive air conditioning systems. Since, its the summer we are having lots a A/C issues and need to recharge some systems with refrigerant. My mechanic is telling me that he needs a bigger A/C vaccum pump to use on our larger fleet trucks. What is your suggestion?

Robinair is the premier manufacturer of auto A/C systems and servicing machines. In your situation, I would recommend the Robinair 15434 A/C vacuum pump. The Robinair 15434 is a 2 stage, 4 cfm vacuum pump. With a 4 cfm unit, you should be able to pull a good vacuum on cars all the way up to your fleet trucks. The Robinair 15434 is built very well and should last your mechanic.

Which is better? A jump starter or jumper cables?

I am having a hard deciding if I should purchase a set of jumper cables or a jump starters for my service truck. Our company maintains a fleet of service trucks that work on and repair construction equipment. Our drivers are often out in rural areas and isolated roads. Jumper cables are attractive just because they are inexpensive, but I can see where a jump starter would be useful as well.

This is a common question and its good to be thinking about and preparing for an emergency before it happens. Based the information you gave me, I would recommend a battery jump starter for your trucks and heres why: First with a portable battery jump starter your drivers will not need another vehicle in order to jump start a dead battery. If one of your mechanics has an issue out on a rural road, all he needs to do is hook up the jump starter and he is on his way again. Also, a jump starter also provides an extra power source as well. Some models have outlets that would enable your driver to charge a dead cell phone and the KKJJNCAIR is equipped with an air compressor. For your situation, I would recommend the K & K Jumpstart 12/24 volt model. That way you can use it on 12 or 24 volt batteries found in larger diesel engines.

Refrigerant Recovery Systems and the EPA

I am looking for some information about the EPA and why its necessary to recover freon from air conditioning systems. We are constantly working on and maintaining the air conditioners in our fleet of delivery trucks and I want to understand what my company's responsibilities are for refrigerant recovery and EPA regulations.

We have some great information and informative articles on our site about refrigerant recovery systems. In today's environmentally sensitive climate, making sure you have ozone friendly auto repair shop is becoming a necessity due to EPA regulations. Just check out our "learn more" section next to refrigerant recovery system products for more info.

Robinair 15600 Vacuum Pump

What is your recommendation for a ac vacuum pump? I have been using a 1 cfm single stage pump at my service station and it takes forever to get a good vacuum, especially on larger trucks and RVs. I have been looking at your Robinair models but I can't decide on the right size.

For a professional auto shop doing automotive air condtioning work, a 1 cfm single stage vacuum is definitely too small. I would recommend the Robinair 15600 which is a 2 stage, 6 cfm vacuum pump. A 6 cfm vacuum pump will work on cars and all the way up to RVs and buses. The Robinair 15600 can pull a 600 micron vacuum in around 60 minutes and I bet it was taking you a lot longer with the little 1 cfm vacuum pump you are using now. An investment in the larger pump will for sure pay off in the long run and save you time and money in the shop.

Car Security Alarms

I just purchased a new Toyota Camry and I have installed an expensive sound system. I also have to drive me car and leave it in places that are not entirely safe and secure. Is there a car security alarm that I can install myself?

You can't be too safe these days. Most of us carry lots of valuables in our cars and leave them in parking garages or back alleys where they can become an easy target for a thief. I carry my laptop everywhere I go and sometimes I am forced to leave it my car. Having a car security alarm gives peace of mind that my valuables are protected. Some models come with a remote transmitter page that will alert you if someone is attempting to break into your car. I think this is one of the better options you can get on a car security alarm. Most people ignore or tune out a blaring car alarm and its nice to get a warning page so you can go out and check on your car.

Robinair 75700 Coolant Fluid Exchanger

Can a coolant fluid exchanger really speed up the process of the replacing coolant in automobile or trucks. I maintain large fleets of service trucks and in the summer months we spend a lot of time replacing coolant. It really eats up time that we could be spending on other projects. I saw the Robinair 75700 on your site and I am wondering if this might be the solution to our dilema.


It sure sounds like the Robinair 75700 is the right product for you. This unit makes replacing coolant fluid a breeze. After you get your service techs up to speed on the unit, you can expect to be able to do a complete coolant replacement in around 10 minutes. All you need is access to 90 psi of shop air to run it. The Robinair 75700 has 2 tanks mounted internally. One tank has the new replacement coolant and the other tank recovers the used coolant from the system. We would recommend the 75700 because of its simplicity of operation and its rugged design.

Back Up Auto Sensor

I have a Chevy Suburban SUV that is the family taxi cab. My wife and I have 3 kids and there is always something or someone in the driveway. I am very concerned about my ability to see clearly out the back of my Suburban and hitting someone. I am seeing back up auto sensors more and more on the freeway. However, I do not want to have to purchase a new SUV so I can get the optional back up auto sensor factory installed. Are there aftermarket kits available that I can install on my current vehicle?

Back up auto sensors are a great safety item that you can add to your car. Don't worry, you don't have to run to the nearest car dealership and trade in your beloved Suburban. At Red Hill Supply, we carry several different types of back up auto sensors that you can install your self. We highly recommend these, especially if you have lots of small children running around your house. They are also great for avoiding the nasty steel poles in parking lots that are just below your field of vision. If you miss hitting one of those poles, you have paid for the new back up auto sensor!

Do I need an automotive AC machine?

I am thinking about doing auto air conditioning work in my auto shop. I have lots of experience in diagnosing and fixing basic problems in AC systems and want to take it to the next level. I have a vacuum pump, refrigerant manifold gauges, and a refrigerant leak detector. Do I really need to purchase an automotive AC machine when I am just starting out?

Thats a great question and one we get a lot. The EPA prohibited the free release of CFC gases into the atmosphere in 1992. So it is illegal to just open a valve and let the freon fly into the air. The solution to this problem is owning a automotive AC machines. These devices will evacuate the freon from your car's air conditioning system and store it internally in the machine. This greatly reduces the amount of CFCs released into air during the process. Modern automotive AC machines also will recharge an AC system and have built in electronic scales. If you are really serious about doing air conditioning work, purchasing a good automotive AC machine will pay off in the long run.

Looking for a good Robinair AC machine

I run an automotive repair shop and we are doing more and more air conditioning repair work. I am considering investing in refrigerant recovery machine and need some advice. We primarily work on R134 AC systems and mostly on cars. Nothing bigger than that.

Having refrigerant recovery machine is a must have in today's modern auto shop. Since 1992, the EPA has prohibited the release of refrigerant into the atmosphere and now you must collect it in an approved device. Robinair AC machines are the industry leader in refrigerant recycling units and I would recommend the Robinair 34700. This unit does it all. It recovers refrigerant, evacuates, test for leaks and more! This unit has a 6 cfm vacuum pump built into it and is more than enough for the type of air conditioning systems you are working on. The Robinair 34700 also is great for recharging the refrigerant. It comes with a built in electronic scale that makes recharging a snap!

Should I clean my SCBA mask and gear?

I work in a hazardous industrial environment and use a SCBA respirator mask. I work long hours in a dirty and toxic area. My respirator mask and gear gets very dirty and sweaty. I am afraid to use any chemicals or cleaners on it but I know it can't be good to just let the dirt and germs build up on it. Do you have any suggestions on how to clean my SCBA mask?

You should definitely be cleaning your SCBA respirator mask on a regular basis. Dirt and grime build up will reduce the life span of your respirator mask and potentially make it less safe. Also, bodily fluids, blood and other pathogens can collect on your gear making it potentially hazardous to other workers as well. Especially, if someone needs to use your gear and it is contaminated with germs etc. There are a few different ways to clean your SCBA mask and gear. The easiest is to use a light bleach solution to kill any germs and viruses. Also, a light soap and some scrubbing will remove dirt and grime as well.

Automated External Defibrillators and first aid

I am considering adding an automated external defibrillator to my shop to increase safety but I am do not understand how an automatic external defibrillator works and how to properly use one. Can I hurt or injure someone and can I be sued if someone doesn't operate it correctly? Can only a doctor actually operate an AED?

Automatic external defibrillators are becoming increasingly more common in hazardous work areas and can potentially save a life. They are automatic in the sense that an AED will not deliver a shock to a person if it senses a heartbeat. The automated external defibrillator is equipped with sensors and a computer that will diagnose the problem and decide if a shock is needed. You should give some basic training to your workers on how to use the AED, but do not be afraid that someone can give a shock to healthy patient. I think adding a automated external defibrillator is a great idea and could save your life as well as someone elses.