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This video shows the basic construction of a homemade smoke machine. This was made to check for leaks in the intake system of an engine or the emission EVAP system. You can also check the exhaust for leaks. All this without the engine running! No hot parts to burn yourself or moving parts to get caught in.
Spraying carb cleaner or WD-40 around the suspected area just makes a mess and you often can’t see or reach where the leak may be.
I have not included all the little bit in the construction as the video would be an hour long. Just look at the video and you will get the picture, just use common sense.
Speaking of common sense, remember that this is homemade, and it works for me, but I cannot control what you do. Also be aware that their is controversy about homemade smoke machines, Google “homemade smoke machine” and read what comes up.
One thing is the use of Baby Oil to make smoke. Some have said that this will foul sensors. I have not had any issues with this, but please eliminate the MAF sensor from the test, it will foul the sensor wire.
Another concern is the testing pressure. Automotive standards for EVAP testing is 1.5 psi. The BBQ regulator used is exactly 1.5 psi, no concerns for me here.
Another concern is using shop air for testing the EVAP. This is a valid point! Normally you will find an very rich fuel/air ratio in the fuel tank, this will not support combustion, unless you pump oxygen rich air into it. I only use the Argon from my MIG welder for EVAP testing.
Testing the intake manifold for leaks can be done with shop air.
Use of the smoke machine does require some automotive knowledge.
I have used this many times and I am confident that it will last and be very useful. Finding EVAP leaks can be the most frustrating aspect of automotive repairs. I used to fix only about 1 in 10 “EVAP leaks” as I could not actually see or sometimes reach to visually inspect. The leak in the video of the carbon canister connection was only found using dye in the oil, not enough smoke was present.
I can answer some questions about the basics of my smoke machine, and some about how to use it, but I am not a know all about using this on your particular vehicle.
I hope that those of you who are into some backyard repairs can use this information to help you solve these troublesome EVAP leaks.
I do not wish to get into a debate on how this will damage this or that, I have made my own decision to go with this.
Enjoy.
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Likes: 195
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What wire did you use to make the oil smoke can one use any piece of wire and where did you get the wick
Here is a link to a forum post with some details that some of you have been asking about.
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f42/do-it-yourself-smoke-machine-520210/
I know this is late posting this but only saying this in case others are wanting to know. If the binding posts are melting its because you have to many amps. The binding posts work great and can handle 10amps so if you are melting them then you are running way to many amps. Just trying to help others and good job on your smoker.
Really great construction. But way too over complicated for me. I use a paint can and a piece of torch heated coal. And a 12 volt tire pump. I cut a valve off on old tire for a connector for that.
Nicely explained, both regarding construction of your jig, and things to watch out for in operation. Monometer is a nice touch for detecting the presence of leaks, before using smoke to identify them. Low pressure gauges, an alternative solution, would be relatively costly and probably less sensitive. BTW folks in the audience burning items then introducing into intake etc. — that kind of smoke introduces particles that you do not want to remain in your auto systems, particularly intake. Just sayin.
Wow! You are a not only a great technician but a great teacher. Loved your sharing of knowledge and your presentation. Very professional.Al
Excellent machine! I made a ghetto one a while back with a tire pump and a cigarette… might have to step up and build one like yours, though. I hadn't though to test exhaust with it. Thanks for making a video!
or put honey with a shisha and some coal
Did you have peanut butter stuck in the roof of your mouth while making this video? Anyway, badass smoke machine.
Not impressed about invisible smoke and necessity of special light.