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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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lol my name is Isenberg, this is how you test for vacume leaks BIT#H! 😀
what are your thoughts on using baby oil as the fuel? I figured that with all the detergents and scent chemicals and what not it might leave some nasty residue inside the engine, though everyone seems to be using it.
Great vid, thanks. I am getting ready to build my own and I am on the fence about whether to go with a glow plug or wire & wick as the heating element. I want to choose the one that produces the most smoke with baby oil. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Nice system you built. I built one about a year ago but doesn't contain a manometer but still able to find leaks fairly quickly. Maybe I can update mine with one. Nice job!
Thanks for the comments. The system is basic, I just added the manometer to confirm absolutely that no leaks exist. Most times you can catch the leak right away. I recently used to to find a leak above a fuel tank on a Montana. It would have been impossible to spray anything up there in hopes of finding a leak.
Do you have a parts list??
Where did you get the dye?
I found and ordered one but is water base.
This is the best DIY Smoke Machine I've found all over the web for EVAP leaks Thanks AWD V8.
You awesome !
Nice for professional use. Way too way too complicated for someone that wants to diagnose their car in the next 15 minutes. Just need a coffee can, drill bit, 2 hoses, and light something for the smoke. Gentle air pressure. Done.
Excellent smoke machine! As everyone else asks, a parts list would be a great help.