Sonic Tester
 

I've been looking for a decent sonic tester, but don't want to spend $2K on one (if I don't have to). This is something that will get used very infrequently. It's not for a shop...just my home garage, where I will need to measure cylinder walls on occasion and perhaps port thickness.

Any thoughts on what to buy and where?

There are a bunch of cheap ones on eBay, but almost all made in China. They may do the job, but, then again, getting an accurate measurement of cylinder wall thickness is...well...kind of important.....

Thanks,

Steve

Re: Sonic Tester
 

We currently have a Dakota ,it will do cylinders and ports with two different transducers about 1250$,Have paid 1850$ for previous unit 35 years ago from NDT,Had a China unit to test ,it was junk.Bill C.

Re: Sonic Tester
 

I use the Dakota PR-8 seems to work very well. Those have to be calibrated for each block your testing to a known thickness to get the best results.

You get what you pay for!!

Re: Sonic Tester
 

Keep an eye on industrial surplus sales sites, as well as Ebay. Remember, you don't need one marketed for automotive use. There are many industrial units which, in many ways are even superior. And you can stumble across them for a steal sometimes, because racers and engine builders are not aware of them.... I got a nice Krautkramer Branson Unit (pretty much the Gold standard brand for industrial UT thickness ) for $125!!!! And yes, you don't want anything to do with a Made in China one...

Also, you have a PM ;)

Kevin

Re: Sonic Tester
 

Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback.

Steve