Vaccum Smoke Machine Suggestions?

[2JZGTESC300]

I know I asked for alot of recommendations on tools here lol.

I'm looking for a Smoke Machine that will help find leaks in vaccums and gaskets.
It would be nice it has a cone shape device that will plug into mufflers as well.

Any suggestions? I know they're pricey, I'm asking for suggestions because I'm looking to spend anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 for a equipment. Want to make sure I get one that will last many years and great quality as well.

 

[2JZGTESC300]

Anyone using this one?

I have my eyes set on that one. It has more than enough applications. Would be more perfect for the jobs that I've handle dealing with leakage.

APPLICATIONS:
• Oil Leaks • EGR Valve • Wind and Water Leaks • PCV Valve and Hoses • Air Cleaner Assembly • Mass Air Flow Meter • Vacuum Switches • Loose Clamps • Throttle Body Shaft • Diaphragms • Air Valves • Map Sensors • Exhaust Manifolds • Exhaust Pipes and Mufflers • Vacuum Hoses • Intake gaskets • Air Ducts • Carburetor Base Gasket • Injector O-rings • Oil Leaks

The price is not too shabby, it's priced at $2,649 dollars.

Any inputs?

 

[lennoxlennox]

i picked up the matco leak tamer for $500 off ebay (think it's a rebranded otc product or rebranded product of some sort)

been really happy with it

check ebay out

 

[Stick]

Redline Smoke Pro.

Matco and Mac sell the same one, just renamed. Uses standard mineral oil and shop air, retail is a hair over $1k. No real reason to spend $3-5k on something else IMO.

 

[wafrederick]

The Redline is the best one out on the market also finding evap leaks.The Snap On including the OTC use special oil which is not cheap.

 

[cammok5]

i used that snapon one at school. what can i say, it made smoke and i found the vent was cloged.
this one looks the same for $825. probaly the company snapon rebrands.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vacutec-EEL..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item2c642b054f&vxp=mtr

 

[Griff93]

Redline Smoke Pro.

Matco and Mac sell the same one, just renamed. Uses standard mineral oil and shop air, retail is a hair over $1k. No real reason to spend $3-5k on something else IMO.

Exactly. I use one daily and couldn't be happier with it.

 

[Carguy99]

vote for redline here

 

[homesale]

Do auto stores rent vaccum smoke machines?

 

[jeep450]

Redline and be done with it. You can use baby oil for refills. If you spend more than that, you are buying something because you have more money than sense and just have to have it because of the name on it.

 

[blown94conv]

The redline is such a good machine, not one of the OEM's recommend it. Take that for what it's worth.

 

[jeep450]

The redline is such a good machine, not one of the OEM's recommend it. Take that for what it's worth.

Really? Someone hasn't done their research have they.

http://redlinedetection.com/products/smoke-pro-total-tech


What a few dealerships have to say about the tool.

http://redlinedetection.com/pages/testimonials#dealerships

 

[blown94conv]

This company states the exact certs and for what makers. Didn't see that on Redlines site. I also know dealerships that use tools that aren't approved by the OEM's as well.

http://www.vacutec.com/oem/index.html

http://www.vacutec.com/aboutus.html

http://www.vacutec.com/leaktesting.html

For those of you who hate clicking links

OEM EVAP-Approved Technology
We want you to know that all Vacutec® smoke machines we currently build and are listed on this website contain 'OEM EVAP-Approved Technology' inside; which means it is technology that is already tested and approved by the Automakers!

Be aware that the term "EVAP-approved" has been misused by one or more competitors and they would like you to believe that their products are also approved for EVAP testing -- when in fact they are NOT approved by any Automaker. That's probably why they claim "EVAP-Approved" and not "OEM EVAP-Approved". Non OEM-approved equipment may be unsafe and risks damaging vehicle systems and voiding vehicle warranties.

What's up with Baby Oil?
Be aware of companies that make the claim that 'baby oil' can be used as the smoke vapor solution for EVAP testing. No Automaker in the world approves introducing baby oil vapor into their vehicles, period! In fact, even baby oil manufacturers clearly state: "It [baby oil] is NOT intended to be used nor should it be used in or in conjunction with any mechanical or automotive component or equipment", period!

Test Safely - You Can't Afford Not To
We support the safer testing practices of using an inert gas such as nitrogen, as the carrier gas for the smoke vapor, when testing a vehicle's EVAP system. In fact, virtually all automakers that have approved the use of smoke vapor technology recommend or require the use of nitrogen. What used to be a trend toward nitrogen has become a standard!

Someone did do their homework.

 

[Stick]

So don't use "baby oil", and use medical grade "mineral oil" instead. You can still buy it at most pharmacies or drugstores cheaply. Not to mention mineral oil is the base of most smoke solutions on the market anyway. All you're really missing is dye, but I've never needed it to find a leak.

If you're going to do EVAP testing, use nitrogen or CO2 instead of shop air. The redline unit supports the use of nitrogen, but it's not a requirement for use of the machine. Comes in handy when not doing EVAP testing, and saves on nitrogen.

Again, no real reason to spend thousands of dollars more IMO.

 

[wafrederick]

Plus Redline says it can be sold at a grand only,can't sell them at a lower price than a grand or the places selling them get them pulled from Redline if caught selling one below a grand.

 

[2JZGTESC300]

I've read all the comments and they are very useful in my quest to purchase a Smoke Machine.

How often does one refill the oil inside these Smoke Machine?

I do know that they run off a shop air hose and a jumper clamp to a 12volt source. I can't imagine the oil being used some so quick. Let's say it will be use about 6-8 times a month.

 

[Stick]

How often does one refill the oil inside these Smoke Machine?

I do know that they run off a shop air hose and a jumper clamp to a 12volt source. I can't imagine the oil being used some so quick. Let's say it will be use about 6-8 times a month.

Depends on how long you run it each time you use it as well as how often you use it. They tend to become one of those tools that you buy for one use, and it ends up being useful for other things. The redline unit in the last shop I worked in was used 10-15 times a month, for 15-20 minutes each time, and we refilled it about twice a year (though we could have stretched it a bit longer between refills).

You don't always need to be generating smoke either. You can generate smoke for 3-4 minutes, and still have useful output 5-10 minutes after that depending on what type of leak you are chasing. You also don't need smoke when you're just trying to get an idea of leak size.