Thermal Imaging on Two Suzuki 115 HP Outboard Engines I Took During A Marine Survey

[suenosazules]

Hi, I thought I would share this with everyone. I have incorporated thermal imaging into my marine survey inspections for over two years now and I would not survey anything without the use of the thermal imaging camera. I have found much more in engines, generators, hulls, decks, and electric systems using this camera. The major benefit is by using thermal imaging it completely takes away any doubt as to what you are seeing when you locate an issue or problem. The video I have at the link below are of two Suzuki 115 HP outboard engines that were ran with a water hose at high idle during a survey. All of the thermal images taken were normal, but I wanted everyone to see the video to show how cool this technology is. The link is at:

http://youtu.be/orXQD0rJk-Y

 

[rafiki_]

Interesting images, and potentially useful, but with this example I struggle with the output. The vid is taken of the engine under no load, presumably at idle or just above. This is unlikely to show any substantial problems unless the engine is a real basket case. You really need to check the engine under WOT under load surely?

 

[suenosazules]

Interesting images, and potentially useful, but with this example I struggle with the output. The vid is taken of the engine under no load, presumably at idle or just above. This is unlikely to show any substantial problems unless the engine is a real basket case. You really need to check the engine under WOT under load surely?

Yes, closer to WOT you can get the better. Problem is that is hard to do with outboards underway with the upper cowlings off. On land, hose connections are good, but no load. However things like failing cylinders, bad impellers, faulty electrical systems, alternators, seal leaks, cracked power heads in places you can't see, etc. These things can easily be found without running the engines at WOT. In my experience these anomalies will show up very quickly after start up of the outboard engines. With thermal imaging there is always some limitations however when you do find a problem it removes any doubt or speculation when you can see the anomaly. Here are some examples I have found in the past:



Honda outboard with a bad cylinder head.



Plywood core deterioration on a fiberglass deck



"Picture in picture" of bottom hull blistering on a sailboat



Vapor leak on a wet exhaust hose on a Cummins engine (was invisible to the eye until the thermal camera caught it)