Smoke machine - need some advice

[NorDel Garage]

I am looking to buy a smoke machine to find a leak in my evap system.
So far I am leaning towards the Kuntech KT 9123. It sells for $169
on Amazon. Anyone have one of these, and what do you think
of it?
Any other suggestions would be appreciated. but in the sub $200
range.
Thanks, Ken

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Do you have an air compressor? I started researching smoke machines to keep an eye out on deals to add one to my tool collection, and I noticed most I came across used an air compressor to generate the pressure for the smoke. I dont own, and dont plan to ever own an air compressor so that will limit me.

I'm not sure if an M12 or M18 tire compressor could be used with a smoke machine.

 

[four.cycle]

 

[NorDel Garage]

I do have a compressor, but I want a unit with the built in compressor.

 

[cgrutt]

I know you said you want to buy one but just throwing this out there (I've posted this before). I built mine for about $25 pretty much based on this and it actually works great (I've used it twice for auto diagnostics). You don't need a lot of pressure for this I use a pancake compressor but turn regulator all the way down it just needs slight positive pressure to push smoke through. Nothing fancy but cheap and it works. Doesn't have a flow meter which may or may not be helpful depending on what you're doing. Anyway just throwing out there in case you change your mind. Good luck.

 

[scooby074]

Kuntech KT 9123.

Available at the Kum and Go.

 

[kbeefy]

I have one by a company called autoline

Amazon link

I like it, makes lots of smoke. They only need a tiny amount of air pressure.
Bonus points for made in USA
I see they have another model that has a built in compressor.

You might look for a couple accessories also, these are handy.

adapter

cone

 

[kbeefy]

If there was only a $10 difference when I bought it I would have got the one with the built in compressor instead.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

This is going to sound silly but is there any slightly more expensive smoke machine that can have additional applications like maybe a party using smoke theatrically? Or any other application? If you could spend $100 on a smoke machine that's just for cars but $120 for a model that can do some other stuff, that might be interesting. I like to think of multi-use tools when possible even if both uses are rare.

 

[scooby074]

This is going to sound silly but is there any slightly more expensive smoke machine that can have additional applications like maybe a party using smoke theatrically? Or any other application? If you could spend $100 on a smoke machine that's just for cars but $120 for a model that can do some other stuff, that might be interesting. I like to think of multi-use tools when possible even if both uses are rare.

Not that Im aware of. Just the sheer volume of smoke in a "disco" smoke machine vs. a auto smoke machine. Let alone operating pressure.

 

[Jgaz]

I have one by a company called autoline

Amazon link

I like it, makes lots of smoke. They only need a tiny amount of air pressure.
Bonus points for made in USA
I see they have another model that has a built in compressor.

You might look for a couple accessories also, these are handy.

adapter

cone

The Amazon link doesn’t work for me.
Can you be more specific as to which model you bought?

 

[kbeefy]

The Amazon link doesn’t work for me.
Can you be more specific as to which model you bought?

Autoline Pro

 

[NorDel Garage]

Just pulled the trigger on Evaporative Smoke Machines Stinger model.
It does need an external hookup though. Around $130 and ordered from their website.
It is fully USA made. Plus for me. We will see how it works out.
Ken

 

[toplessHO]

Do you have an air compressor? I started researching smoke machines to keep an eye out on deals to add one to my tool collection, and I noticed most I came across used an air compressor to generate the pressure for the smoke. I dont own, and dont plan to ever own an air compressor so that will limit me.

I'm not sure if an M12 or M18 tire compressor could be used with a smoke machine.

you are in danger of ruining something if you go over 5 PSI on the evap system.

You could build one like I did.

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

see post 27

 

[turner66]

I bought this Solary back in January for $133. It's now $180...

Amazon.com

Due to health reasons I haven't used it enough yet to have much of an opinion.

 

[Jgaz]

Autoline Pro

Thank you sir!

 

[NorDel Garage]

Update on my smoke machine:
I received my Stinger smoke machine in good time. I was blown away by the
machine work, completeness of the kit and the instructions.
Everything is included except the mineral oil. Got that at CVS.
It is equipped with a 1 psi regulator , so it won't hurt the EVAP system.
It pumped out smoke as advertised, but I couldn't find a leak in the system.
So Tuesday my Tacoma goes to the shop.

 

[Qualitytools]

Update on my smoke machine:
I received my Stinger smoke machine in good time. I was blown away by the
machine work, completeness of the kit and the instructions.
Everything is included except the mineral oil. Got that at CVS.
It is equipped with a 1 psi regulator , so it won't hurt the EVAP system.
It pumped out smoke as advertised, but I couldn't find a leak in the system.
So Tuesday my Tacoma goes to the shop.

Thanks for the update and sharing.

 

[signcrafter]

Update on my smoke machine:
I received my Stinger smoke machine in good time. I was blown away by the
machine work, completeness of the kit and the instructions.
Everything is included except the mineral oil. Got that at CVS.
It is equipped with a 1 psi regulator , so it won't hurt the EVAP system.
It pumped out smoke as advertised, but I couldn't find a leak in the system.
So Tuesday my Tacoma goes to the shop.

You need one with a flow meter and also a bi directional scan tool to use with it. You didn't say what system but assuming evap. You need to be able to close off the system using bi directional controls and then you also need to be able to watch pressures. I had a cheap amazon/ebay smoke machine and it burnt out so I bought another cheap one. I only use it a few times a year if that so can't justify a pro level one. But without being able to close the system, the normally open vent canister, then you can't seal the system off and find a leak. Where did you introduce the smoke?

 

[Beerhippie]

Smoke machine... I thought you were referring to one of my old rigs.

 

[RTM]

Smoke machine... I thought you were referring to one of my old rigs.

 

[NorDel Garage]

Signcrafter, I used the evap checking port that is on Toyotas. My problem was
not knowing what I was doing. I think that I pinched off the wrong hose.
Not using any bi-directional function (due to lack of more knowledge).
Its at the shop, and my mechanic told me the there is too much rust
in the solenoid/valve attached to the canister.
I ordered the parts that he said to get. I ordered genuine Toyota parts
online. Time will tell.

 

[signcrafter]

Signcrafter, I used the evap checking port that is on Toyotas. My problem was
not knowing what I was doing. I think that I pinched off the wrong hose.
Not using any bi-directional function (due to lack of more knowledge).
Its at the shop, and my mechanic told me the there is too much rust
in the solenoid/valve attached to the canister.
I ordered the parts that he said to get. I ordered genuine Toyota parts
online. Time will tell.

What was the original issue? Guessing a code? Evap systems are different and I'm not familiar with toyota but the basics is that you have a normally open vent canister and a normally closed purge valve up by the engine. With a scan tool you can watch tank pressure and then actuate the valves and also seal the system off. When you hook your smoke machine up you want to seal the system off and watch for smoke. If your canister vent valve was stuck open you would see smoke coming out of it. If it was stuck closed you wouldn't see smoke and you can watch and see if pressure builds in the fuel tank. That's the basics of most systems. Without a scan tool you can't really test those valves fully. I'm not an expert but if you want to learn more google south main auto evap youtube videos.