Tracer MARKSMAN M-L AM06016 - Manual (Page 4)

ELECTRICAL CORONA DISCHARGE
At right is a typical application using the Marksman to detect
possible electrical malfunctions by listening to the electrical
corona discharge associated with power switches and breaker
boxes. As with all potentially dangerous situations, use
caution. Use the hollow air probe or use the receiver alone
when inspecting electrical conditions and always keep a safe
distance between the air probe tip and the metal panel sur-
faces. The Marksman is highly sensitive to picking up voltage
breakdowns. The resultant ultrasonic sound has been
described as sounding like "frying bacon."
PRESSURIZED AND VACUUM LEAKS
Applications for pressurized type inspections are endless including: compressed air or
gas of any kind, air brake systems, pipes/lines, steam systems, water lines, manifolds,
and likewise all vacuum systems. Note: Ultrasonic detection relies on detecting the
sounds associated with the turbulence of the fluid or gas exiting a hole or orifice under a
differential pressure. It is independent of the type of gas or fluid. The Marksman will read-
ily detect air and vacuum leaks typically caused by bad gaskets, worn valve seats and
cracks in pipes, hoses or fittings.
NON-PRESSURIZED LEAKS
Non-pressurized vessels or containers cannot generate ultrasonic sounds. The supplied
ultrasonic emitter is used to broadcast an ultrasonic noise, which is optimized to the fre-
quency response of the Marksman receiver. Some examples are: leaks in heating and
cooling system ducts and pipes, tanks, wind-
shields, weather-stripping and whole house
integrity.
1.
Turn on the emitter and place it in the
enclosed environment to be evaluated.
The emitter will fill the interior with a
piercing warble sound. Note: Since the
output is in the ultrasonic range, you will
not hear it without the receiver.
2. Walk around the exterior of the enclosed
environment while sweeping the receiver around the suspect areas. Compromised
areas will be revealed by the change in tone and intensity, both audibly and
visually, by listening and watching the changes on the LED display.
USING THE LED DISPLAY FOR LOCATING LEAKS
Please note that the volume control is independent of the LED display during an inspec-
tion. Depending on the amount of ultrasonic signature being detected, you can use both
the level of intensity on the LED display and the audible amount of sound through the
headphones. As you get closer to the problem, decrease the volume. As the sound get
louder, repeat the process until you have pinpointed the location.
VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
VACUUM LEAKS: Place the hollow air probe on the unit and listen and watch the LEDs.
You can pinpoint the location of vacuum leaks quickly and easily. Use the hollow air
probe or use the receiver alone.
FIND THAT ENGINE NOISE. The Marksman will locate those engine noises and let you
find where they are truly coming from. Ultrasound does not transfer within engine com-
ponents due to the directional characteristics of ultrasound. Use the solid contact
probe.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Separations in high-tension spark plug wire conductors can
be quickly identified from the corona discharge "snapping" sound emitted. The same
applies to arcing within electrical motors and accessories. Also, listen to connection
points for the "snapping" or "frying bacon" sound; this is a sound a poor connection
makes under electrical load. Circuits are best tested under operation and full load.
The Marksman unit is also great at locating short circuits. Shorts give off a "frying" or
"snapping" sound also. As you are checking for shorts or connection problems, do not
forget to wiggle the wiring! Those electrical problems will now call out to you. Save time!
Use the hollow air probe or use the receiver alone.
IGNITION SYSTEMS: Listen to today's ignition systems. You can hear the coils and
plugs firing. This is by far the best and quickest method for diagnosing Coil Over Plug
(COP) systems. It also works great on Distributorless Ignition Systems (DIS). You will
hear the snapping of the plugs firing in the headset. After some experience testing igni-
tion systems, you can tell if you have a plug or wire problem by the sound alone. When
checking DIS systems, make sure you listen at both ends of the wire if you can. Use the
solid contact probe or use the receiver alone.
EVAP SYSTEMS: Checking for leaks in evaporative emissions systems is simple. Start
by pressurizing the EVAP system (don't exceed the recommended pressure!). Now,
sweep all the hoses and components of the system and listen for a hissing noise that
would indicate a leak. Once the general area of the leak has been determined, move
closer with the receiver to pinpoint the exact leakage source. Use the hollow air probe
or use the receiver alone.
INJECTORS: Place the solid contact probe onto the injector to test and listen while the
engine is running. You can hear the injector working plus hear the fuel flow. You may also
want to shut the engine off and listen to make sure that the injector is not leaking fuel past
the injector nozzles. If fuel is flowing, it will create a rushing noise in the headset. A good
clean injector will make a sharp ringing clicking tone, while a dirty injector will have a muf-
fled clicking tone. Use the solid contact probe.
AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS: The Marksman detector can help locate leaks quickly in both
vacuum assisted and air brake systems. In many cases, leaks can be detected from a
considerable distance. After building up full pressure (in the case of air brakes), a casu-
al sweep of the vehicle from one end to the other using the receiver can often locate the
leak. Use of the headphones will reduce noise interference from the shop. If the first
sweep does not locate the leak, trace out the entire air system piping at close range (1-
Emitter
Receiver