Cheap Smoke Tester

[Wubicon]

I've been struggling to find a gross leak in my car's evap system. So I was thinking about getting a smoke machine, long story short my other car is turbo Rx7. Lots of vacuum and turbo lines to leak on a 34 yr old car that I imagine are or will deteriorate. Probably going to need to do this more in the future.

So I started looking at smoke testers. Sweet fancy moses they were more expensive than I thought. I saw one on clearance for $600ish... No. Not doing that.

I see some el-cheapo ones at the usual suspects; fleabay, amazone, chemu. Anyone gamble the $100 or so on one?


It looks like there is lots of cheap DIY testers people have made out there. Might try it since this is not my only vehicle and I can spend time messing around with making a smoke tester of my own. I have a pile of tubing and little hose connectors laying around left over from other random projects. If it works, and is cheap enough might be worth the hassle.

The other thought I had was renting one, but it doesn't look like there is any for rent in my region.

Anyway, anyone try these things?

 

[signcrafter]

I made one from a cheap fog machine years ago that worked OK. I bought one of the china ones off ebay or amazing and it lasted a few years, probably only used it a handful of times and it burnt up. I bought another china one off amazon last year and it's been working. I use them a couple times a year so can't justify spending the money on a good one at this time. If I use it one or two times before it breaks then I consider it paid for itself helping find a problem. If I have extra funds in the future I will spend the money on a good one but for now the china ones are working decent for me for the money they cost. Just make sure you get one with a flow meter.

 

[Wubicon]

I made one from a cheap fog machine years ago that worked OK. I bought one of the china ones off ebay or amazing and it lasted a few years, probably only used it a handful of times and it burnt up. I bought another china one off amazon last year and it's been working. I use them a couple times a year so can't justify spending the money on a good one at this time. If I use it one or two times before it breaks then I consider it paid for itself helping find a problem. If I have extra funds in the future I will spend the money on a good one but for now the china ones are working decent for me for the money they cost. Just make sure you get one with a flow meter.

That's exactly where my head is at. If I find the leak for $100 on my own, I will already be ahead. If it works a few more times in the future that's gravy. Good to know about the flow meter.

 

[cgrutt]

I made my own for about $25 it actually worked great for the few times I've used it but you need a small compressor for DIY. I've posted before but will try to find video I followed.

Well, that was easy...

 

[Wubicon]

I made my own for about $25 it actually worked great for the few times I've used it but you need a small compressor for DIY. I've posted before but will try to find video I followed.

Well, that was easy...

This is one of the better DIY/build it yourself kits I've seen and I think I have a lot of that stuff already kicking around the garage.
I think I'm going to try this out. Just need a short list of stuff from the Home Despot, I think.

 

[cgrutt]

This is one of the better DIY/build it yourself kits I've seen and I think I have a lot of that stuff already kicking around the garage.
I think I'm going to try this out. Just need a short list of stuff from the Home Despot, I think.

I used a different PVC (cheaper with just a cap) and a piece of MIG wire on mine. Believe it was about $25 all in, including set of battery clamps which isn't strictly needed. I've used it several times and it really does work great. Still have it.

 

[Wubicon]

I have a set of wires with clamps that I use for testing stuff I think I can use. Otherwise I figure jumper cables will work.

I have bunch of barbed hose connectors and extra compressor fitting laying around. Should be able to something work. I have bunch of different wire kick around too. Was thinking a strip of solid core copper wire. I like that the resistance needed is already figured out, just need to find the right length to get the right resistance.

 

[cgrutt]

I have a set of wires with clamps that I use for testing stuff I think I can use. Otherwise I figure jumper cables will work.

I have bunch of barbed hose connectors and extra compressor fitting laying around. Should be able to something work. I have bunch of different wire kick around too. Was thinking a strip of solid core copper wire. I like that the resistance needed is already figured out, just need to find the right length to get the right resistance.

Not sure if the copper wire has high enough resistance to not create a dead short. It's been a while since I watched video but recall that you want coil to be about 2-4 ohms (confirm that Im just going off memory). The resistance wire recommended in video is perfect but I had some MIG wire in garage and it tested out within spec so I used it. Just check resistance of whatever you use it has to be high enough not to burn up. Also believe I used a wick from a citronella lantern worked fine. I used baby oil.

 

[Wubicon]

Not sure if the copper wire has high enough resistance to not create a dead short. It's been a while since I watched video but recall that you want coil to be about 2-4 ohms (confirm that Im just going off memory). The resistance wire recommended in video is perfect but I had some MIG wire in garage and it tested out within spec so I used it. Just check resistance of whatever you use it has to be high enough not to burn up. Also believe I used a wick from a citronella lantern worked fine. I used baby oil.

That's my plan. Got a few options laying around to check.

 

[cgrutt]

FWIW this is the one I made.

 

[toplessHO]

You can build one

What tools need to be invented?

Okay, ambiguous topic, but let's hear what are one or two tools that you think need to be invented or modified as solutions, or better solutions, to a tool or repair problem? Or "tool-related" solution. And no humorous tools to fix the spouse. . . Example (with the understanding that something...

www.garagejournal.com

12v soldering iron for the heat
mason jar with cotton rag soaked in baby oil
12v air pump for air mattress

 

[Wubicon]

You can build one

What tools need to be invented?

Okay, ambiguous topic, but let's hear what are one or two tools that you think need to be invented or modified as solutions, or better solutions, to a tool or repair problem? Or "tool-related" solution. And no humorous tools to fix the spouse. . . Example (with the understanding that something...

www.garagejournal.com

12v soldering iron for the heat
mason jar with cotton rag soaked in baby oil
12v air pump for air mattress

I saw those ones too, but I think like the PVC solution a little more. Seems like it will stand up to more repeated use better

 

[Speed-Racer]

I have one of the Amazon cheap ones. Depending on the options, they sell between 40-100. Works for over a year, awesome machine and everyone that tries it orders one. I would buy one. Nice to be able to turn it off for a few mintues and/or just have a fan without smoke. I am surprised on the quality, for the price, it is not worth building.

The cheapest option, see youtube. Basically a lit cheap cigar taped to a Y tube and compressed air to blow smoke in.

Find a low cost smoke machine from Amazon, you will be happy and able to pin point small leaks easily and quickly double check the fix and if other leaks exists.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFL5RB1L/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon.com: Csttler Smoke Machine Automotive with Built-in Air Pump and Pressure Gauge, Automotive Smoke Machine - 12V DC EVAP Smoke Machine for 12V Cars, Motorcycles, Trucks, Boats, ATVs : Automotive

Buy Csttler Smoke Machine Automotive with Built-in Air Pump and Pressure Gauge, Automotive Smoke Machine - 12V DC EVAP Smoke Machine for 12V Cars, Motorcycles, Trucks, Boats, ATVs: Fuel Leak Detectors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I have this one, but the other models work the same without the gauges.

https://www.amazon.com/Evap-Smoke-Machine-Tester-Built/dp/B0D96249F8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Wubicon]

I quickly priced out what I need (vs what I already have) to build this thing from PVC and it's coming in around $30. Seems like a good way to waste saturday afternoon. I'll give it a go next weekend, I think.

If that doesn't work out, then I'm gonna get myself one of these cheap ones.

 

[signcrafter]

I quickly priced out what I need (vs what I already have) to build this thing from PVC and it's coming in around $30. Seems like a good way to waste saturday afternoon. I'll give it a go next weekend, I think.

If that doesn't work out, then I'm gonna get myself one of these cheap ones.

I'm not against making tools, I enjoy doing it also and have built a bunch of stuff like this, my first one was from a fog machine that I built for cheap. But to me the 100 bucks or so is worth it to buy one of the china ones. Nice having everything in a box that has a hook to hang it on the hood. Has decent clamps with built in compressor and flow gauge. Also comes with a the stuff needed to get into the systems also, like inflatable plug to go into intake, cone for exhaust and other stuff, block off plates, etc. So don't forget to figure that stuff you will need to fully use a home made one into your overall cost. The one linked to above from another member is 7x.** and comes with all that stuff. But I would get the one model up for a few more bucks that comes with a flow gauge.

If you're just doing it for a project to do or to save a few bucks because money is tight I understand. But not saving much at all once you figure in the accessories. Personally the extra few bucks for that stuff and being packaged in a nice box was worth it to me. And I'm cheap and like projects like this.

 

[Wubicon]

I'm not against making tools, I enjoy doing it also and have built a bunch of stuff like this, my first one was from a fog machine that I built for cheap. But to me the 100 bucks or so is worth it to buy one of the china ones. Nice having everything in a box that has a hook to hang it on the hood. Has decent clamps with built in compressor and flow gauge. Also comes with a the stuff needed to get into the systems also, like inflatable plug to go into intake, cone for exhaust and other stuff, block off plates, etc. So don't forget to figure that stuff you will need to fully use a home made one into your overall cost. The one linked to above from another member is 7x.** and comes with all that stuff. But I would get the one model up for a few more bucks that comes with a flow gauge.

If you're just doing it for a project to do or to save a few bucks because money is tight I understand. But not saving much at all once you figure in the accessories. Personally the extra few bucks for that stuff and being packaged in a nice box was worth it to me. And I'm cheap and like projects like this.

Valid points.
I'm interested in cobbling something together because I think I'll come out of it learning something. Worst case I'm out some time and $30 bucks and still buy the Chinesium one, and I'm still ahead of the game because I know it would cost more than that to have someone else diagnose it.

I saw a fog machine on market place and thought I might be able to make some fittings and use that. Compared to what they wanted for it vs the Chinesium smoke testing machines, I'd rather just buy the smoke test machine.

Totally a different story when it's you're only vehicle and it needs to be working. What luxury!

 

[toplessHO]

my first smoke machine was smoke bombs in a metal coffee can inside a shop vac.
I should have run the shop vac thru a rheostat but instead just let a lot of air escape
thereby lowering system pressure.
The reason I built one powered off 12vDC is for portability.

 

[fourjeepin]

I bought one of the cheap ones to trace down an evap leak in my 2018 Grand Cherokee. It worked great and like stated above, it is cheaper than one trip to the mechanic.

 

[milky2k]

I used a fog machine from Party City as a smoke machine. It was a cheap find on Craigslist years ago. It worked fine for me but then I "upgraded" to a dedicated smoke machine with air hose attachment and it works the same except the smoke smells bad compared to the fog machine. Also, I can use the fog machine at parties!

 

[texasprd]

If you are doing stuff with the evap system, my understanding is that there is a difference between a smoke machine and one suitable for evap work. I'm just a DIYer who reads the online trade magazines/articles on this stuff - I could be wrong. Beside the need for a flow meter, the evap vacuum valves won't take a lot of pressure (to my understanding). I bought an Autool one on Amazon (I don't think its available any more) that claimed it operated at 1psi and had the flow meter - I feed it with an HF regulator turned down to about 5psi, and it has found evap and intake leaks for me.

Outside of my Autool, I would go with an appropriate model from Autoline Pro - they have 1psi regulators on theirs.

 

[Pinne]

I recently bought the first one in your post - Solary labeled from Amazon. It was a hair under $60. Works great, generates a reasonable amount of smoke and pressure. Not as much pressure as a compressor, obviously, but it'll find most leaks other than the smallest ones (the type that only become apparent under heat and high boost).

You'll need mineral oil (baby oil works fine for this) and some caps / fittings for intakes or larger inlets and outlets. I just got some PVC caps at the hardware store and pressed a fitting into one of them so I can connect the smoke machine and let it run without holding the cone in.

About $75 all in. Pretty handy and fast to use.

 

[niget2002]

I bought this one. It worked great to test the evap on the wife's car.

https://a.co/d/et4uycA

 

[Just Puttering]

I also grabbed the cheap Solary one From Amazon. Did a good job of locating a vacuum leak hidden under the intake plenum. Even if it only works this one time it’s worth it at the price.

 

[noid]

I have this one, works great, don't bother making your own. Price is in CAD so ~145 USD.