Borescope
A flexible optical inspection camera used to view internal engine components without tearing down the engine.
A borescope is a diagnostic optical device consisting of a flexible tube with a camera and light source on the tip, connected to a video screen. It is used by mechanics to inspect the interior of engines and other hard-to-reach automotive components without undergoing time-consuming component disassembly. The camera probe can be inserted through spark plug holes, intake ports, or sensor openings.
Borescopes are invaluable for verifying internal engine health. A technician can inspect the cylinder walls for cross-hatch honing patterns or scuffing, look at the piston crowns for fuel washing or carbon buildup, and check the intake and exhaust valves for carbon deposits or burning. It is also used to look inside gearboxes, check catalytic converter substrates for melting, and find structural damage inside frame rails.
Using a borescope is recommended when diagnosing low engine compression, borescope-visible mechanical noises, or checking for bent valves after a timing belt failure. Modern digital borescopes can record video and capture high-definition photos, which mechanics use to show customers the exact internal damage. This tool prevents unnecessary teardowns and speeds up diagnostic validation.