How To Perform An EVAP Smoke Test To Look For Leaks

Evaporative emissions systems leaks are an incredibly common problem on today's vehicles. Finding where the leak is actually occurring can be very difficult. Using a smoke machine and properly performing an EVAP system smoke test can make this much easier. In this video, I share the process I use when it comes to smoke testing. Enjoy!
0:00 - Intro
0:23 - Why Smoke Test
0:48 - Our Smoke Machine
3:24 - Verify Smoke Flows
4:15 - Hook Up To Test Point
7:00 - Close Vent Solenoid
7:35 - Monitor Fuel Tank Pressure
9:35 - Monitor Flow Gauge
10:28 Saturate System With Smoke
11:11 EVAP Test Recap

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey guys, the laser light idea came from Cody over at Cody's Auto Diagnostics...check him out here! kzbin.info/door/7AtpaCPv1QXYa-yE2sPQbQ

[@exmotorsports]

I was going to mention that..I think Cody watches a lot of CSI shows. Lol Great Video Mike...Looks like this Quarantine has treated you well. Your face grew out and you seem to have a bit of a glow in the hair too. (: Cheers Bro

[@faridamccormick5537]

My,v

[@globalcommerce7654]

Nice video but honestly that machine is way too complicated! This one is so simple here, shouldmakea how to with it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoOXgmyPYtiKY9U

[@themanfromcabowabo1559]

If you don’t have a laser or you want a bigger area of light use a projection alarm clock. I did that as it was getting dark outside. Don’t know if sunlight is a factor or not.

[@billsfan1768]

This is a great EVAP smoke test video. I am a auto tech and I would definitely go to a class this guy was teaching.

[@kennethlowevideo]

Absolutely AWESOME tutorial! Very refreshing to get automotive instructions without also getting motion sickness from bad camera work. THANK YOU!!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Kenneth, thanks for watching! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@kimberlysmith3628]

@@GoTechTraining How long does it take to do a smoke test from start to finish? I have a P0440 code and a P1441 code, do you think that's a purge valve or charcoal canister?

[@ayyy9017]

@@kimberlysmith3628 purge valve

[@Gary_in_NoVA]

Best video on Evap testing & smoke machine usage on U-Tube! Nice job!

[@radleybradford1356]

Agreed!!

[@Foxbrendon]

"I really appreciate you guys watching". No, Mike. We REALLY appreciate your vids! Fox N/W Scotland.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Fox, without you guys I wouldn't be able to do this!!! I truly do appreciate each and every one of you! :) Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@StakzMusic]

Been working on cars for about 5yrs I done about everything and I hate evap codes! You broke it down perfect thank you

[@GoTechTraining]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@ronaldmahoney1283]

Your videos are Great! You explain everything in detail and show what equipment or tools that are needed!

[@ridgerunner4420]

Thanks for a great video. It was very informative and well explained. I’m trying to troubleshoot a small EVAP leak and this was perfect for helping me understand how the system works.

[@billyyoder8171]

Thank you Mike. Good job. Have a blessed and safe week to you and your family.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Billy, thanks a lot! You as well :) Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@themanfromcabowabo1559]

Hands down the best instructional video I found.

[@GoTechTraining]

Wow, thank you so much!!! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@AFineLineA]

Totally agreed!!! Very easy for a lay person to understand even!

[@ronijr4918]

You did a very great job on explaining this! Many videos just talk and talk and no actual showing. Cheers!!!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Roni, thanks for watching! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@AFineLineA]

Totally agreed!!!

[@walter.bellini]

Mike, thank you for the really great walk-through, it was very informative! I would have liked to have seen a real test on a vehicle that actually had a known leak that you knew where it was to see what it looks like.

[@jasonmurawski4917]

Great video and was the best articulated explanation I needed to verify what I thought I needed to do

[@northwestmechanic8991]

My friend is letting me borrow his smoke tester, thank you for showing me how to perform one.

[@monahumada7535]

Did you get it?

[@anthonysova7117]

Like always a very thorough explanation CHEERS enjoyed the stepped procedure

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Anthony, thanks for watching! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@seanrowland1670]

Fantastic walk through. Clear and concise. I have a PO442 error code on my 2012 F150 Lariat 5.0 I feel I can confidently now trace the leak. Thank you !

[@GoTechTraining]

Now that's what I like to hear Sean! Good luck with your diagnosis! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@kimberlysmith3628]

​@@GoTechTraining I had my fuel pump changed and ever since then my check engine light comes on with a P0440 code. I had replaced the gas cap and purge solenoid and it still comes up. Sometimes when I put gas in the check engine light goes away. Do you think the fuel pump was the cause because it started from there?

[@USSHammerology]

Gasket probably not seated properly.

[@cjlarson7642]

Thank for telling how to test for a Leak and setting up the Vent valve manually.

[@chriscadman5715]

As always, excellent and informative. Thanks!

[@radleybradford1356]

KZbin, put this video at the top of the SEO algorithm

[@jlcastille9017]

Excellent video with the perfect amount of educational information. I have seen too many videos from others that are either too long because they dwell on useless information or others that are too vague and don't offer enough information. Of course, I have seen some videos that give incorrect, bad and sometimes dangerous information. Those should be reported and banned but that is another topic. I thought your video was very educational, to the point and covered everything in a short amount of time. This is an excellent video, IMO. Congratulations and thanks for what I consider to be an excellent presentation. Also, I use a laser pointer and it has enabled me to find leaks that I may not have seen without it. Of course, I'm 60 years old and my eye sight isn't as good as it once was. lol

[@manuelduenas4742]

I agree with you JL

[@waynebeaver4096]

I feel educated after watching this. Nice video!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Wayne, thanks for watching!!!! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@pablomarquez4431]

Wow thanks man. Out of all the evap videos I've seen you answered my question. Hopefully I can now figure out my p0441 code.

[@codysautodiagnosticsprogra8706]

Great video Mike! I Like the home garage videos, keep it up

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks man! Check out the pinned comment. I believe I've now given credit where it was due :) Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@TheNYgolfer]

You are good. Great communication skills. I see teaching in your future

[@chrisc6874]

Great video. Just the info I was looking for. Thanks

[@stephenrose8188]

Very good and informative video Mike, thank you!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

Great video and information Mike. Thank you.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thank you for watching!!! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@mikeburton1733]

Great video Mike. Never thought of the laser light before. Will try it next time. Stay safe.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Mike, thanks man! Hope all is well in Canada :) you stay safe as well! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@diydiy5883]

Thank you so much ! this is the video for my DIY evap test

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey, thanks for watching! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@obiwan19771]

Thank you for the video! It was a big help!

[@luismarty1685]

Thanks Mike. Well done.

[@DonBMW]

Very informative video and good instruction. Lost me with the $1,200 machine but appreciate the tip for closing the vent without a scan tool.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Don, thanks for watching! You can find smoke machines for cheaper. Sometimes used ones can be a great deal. Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@A.C.71]

@@GoTechTraining I found one for 100 bucks but not sure how to close the vent solenoid since my scan tool is autel md806 pro and I don't think I can use it to close it as your snap-on did. direction on how to do this would be great.

[@robbanta2979]

@@A.C.71 Use a hose clamp to pinch off the vent line at the solenoid.

[@pirihern9329]

Need bidirectional scanner

[@AFineLineA]

​@@GoTechTraining Thanks for the used ones tip!!!

[@salmanalmahal5373]

That is fantastic video. Thank you 😊

[@stephenjones271]

great video, very helpful. Thanks

[@carlossoto6623]

Very great detail buddy, thanks!

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks Carlos! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@AFineLineA]

Totally agreed!!!

[@michaelwellner8151]

Great job young man.

[@neverstoplearning382]

Thanks a lot for sharing knowledge. Regards sir.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thank you for watching! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@ruffriffing247]

very well made and informative 👍👍👍

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks Ruff Riffing! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@AFineLineA]

Totally agreed!!!

[@Joe_Brown99]

Thanks! Very helpful 👍

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching and supporting the channel! ~Ryan Wilsing

[@mikecont9742]

Great video. Very informative..

[@GoTechTraining]

Thank you Mike! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@gunpornstar8379]

Great video!

[@wayneowens4761]

Thank you, very good info.

[@seshachary5580]

very educative. Thank you

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Sesha, You're welcome! Thanks for watching! ~Ryan

[@richardschneider9279]

Thanks for the information !

[@wyattoneable]

Yes, I believe Cody was the one who suggested using a laser light to Mario. Awesome tip. Great lesson Mike.

[@codysautodiagnosticsprogra8706]

Thank you Wyatt!!

[@GoTechTraining]

I added a pinned comment to give credit where it's definitely due :) Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@throttlebottle5906]

I think I mentioned using them on SMA or other a long while back, but sometimes I get going on comments far too much lol

[@AFineLineA]

​@@codysautodiagnosticsprogra8706 Thank You for the laser tip!!!

[@trompelemonde4728]

Love this video. Perfect 👍

[@GoTechTraining]

Thank you! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@blastforyou]

Hello Mike,I have a 2010 F150 4.6 that has error code 466 and 455 and when I checked the Evap vent solenoid by applying voltage from separate battery source it functioned normally. When I checked for reference voltage at connector with key on engine off i had 0 volts.I checked the purge solenoid connector and had 12 .15 KOEO. Both of these sensors should have 12.15 volts from parallel connection (same green wire color)when key is on and PCM controls switching thru ground side. This failure of canister vent would also explain the 455 (gross leak) code wouldn't it. I am right to just focus now on looking for break in circuit. Thanks for great video.

[@ChengSAE]

Great detail video.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thank you very much Cheng Saetern. Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@nigelclark7360]

Very good we'll explained

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Nigel, thanks for watching! Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@maxrpmstuff]

Very well done, Mike .... Thorough information and presentation easy to follow details. Thank You!

[@salvadorgutierrezr5914]

Thanks a lot for the tip , Go Tech👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Salvador, thank you very much! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@websurfer1585]

Great info, thanks. I have a 1991 toyota celica that i want to check through, it smells very rich whilst warming up, has poor fuel economy, and there is always a rush of air when i remove the gas cap to fill up, is this normal? Otherwise, it runs well, plenty of power etc?

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Another great diagnostic video Mike. I seem to remember seeing some smoke machines that had duel smoke test modes for evap and other areas/parts. Anyway, good to see you again, take care stay well.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Mike, i've seen them as well. Like 2 machines in one. Thanks for watching! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@TC-en7vi]

Thanks for the video! Sorry I didn't get if the car has to be running to perform the test. I have a 2003 Kia Sorento, but I'm not sure were to put the hose...!?! Thanks

[@themanfromcabowabo1559]

If you don’t have a laser or you want a bigger area of light use a projection alarm clock. I did that as it was getting dark outside. Don’t know if sunlight is a factor or not.

[@Kentucky-bz6pg]

Great video. I have a 2019 VW Jetta. I'm smoke testing and see smoke coming out of the round vent next to the canister. The vehicle is turned off. Is this a sign that the valve is open and bad?

[@depthbrewedrollers.8793]

Thumbs up from me, specifically for the last part when you mentioned about intermittent problems. Good vid.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it! ~Ryan

[@joshuaatkins5197]

I appreciate the video and it was very well done. If I could make a request it would only be that you zoom in and show the actual thing you're holding up in your hand, or show a separate shot of it sitting on a workbench so we can see what it looks like up close

[@motorcyclerushtono1999]

You're the best!!👍

[@MFDOOMgr]

thanks for your time

[@GoTechTraining]

Thank you for your time to watch and comment! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@jamesdrury2016]

Hey Mike with the Magic Smoke Good one See Ya soon I hope

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Jim, how to properly use that magic smoke ;) Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@vegasdevl84]

Super clear and concise tutorial. Thank you! Subbed!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hi Diab, Glad you like it, thank you for supporting the channel! Ryan Wilsing

[@sketchystuff5917]

Need some guidance here, I did a smoke test for vacuum leaks on my Ford and one of the places smoke was coming from was the vent holes on the bottom of the diaphragm part of the egr. The smoke isn’t coming through the little vacuum line though, because that still holds vacuum and opens and closes the egr properly. The smoke is coming through the intake side of the egr. Further investigation showed that I could suck a decent amount of air through the egr even when it was closed. Anyone know if this is supposed to vent this way? Any guidance or advice would help a lot

[@MrAjd1982]

I've replaced that exact purge valve solenoid for 2016 traverse twice now. Same result for both times, engine light will stay off for a few weeks and then throw the p0496 code again. Any ideas/recommendations? I haven't replaced gas cap yet, guess that would be the next cheapest. However, what would cause a new purge valve solenoid to work like it should for a few weeks and then get stuck open?

[@johnbriggs7514]

Super helpful. Been chancing an evap leak in a 2004 Corolla for a while and I didn't understand the vent valve was normally open or how to close it. Any guess what the least expensive scan tool is that has the ability to close the vent valve and read the pressure?

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey John, thanks for watching! I would look into options from either Autel or Launch. Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@eddietime08]

Great video, I smoke tested my 2009 pontiac g8gt and I have to use a latex glove and ty-wraps to seal of the throttle body. Shouls I be getting smoke out the throttle body. Perge valve is closed and vent valve is close.

[@mrellis3637]

Great Job

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Benny, thanks for watching! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@patelvivek4888]

Nice video 👍👍

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks Patel!!! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@emanuelcalderon]

what does the vent in a scion xb look like? and can you just seal it up just for the test?

[@AreaCode862]

Great video but you lost me on the part with manually closing the vent valve. Are there any other videos you have showing what you mentioned in the video?

[@mediajunkie2195]

GREAT VIDEO!!! The hardest part I find using a smoke tester is closing the system. I don't own a snap-on Solus... That is yet.. So my daughters car has the P0456 and P0457. Ride is a 12 model Avenger with the 4 banger engine. Moving past the typical cap I've checked the following. 10" of vacuum holds indefinitely on the purge solenoid. When applying 12vdc on and off she opens and closes and holds vacuum as it should. Next, I visually checked the seals inside of the evaporative pump. Nothing out of the ordinary? Reassembled everything. My smoker is mineral oil based and has been my go to tool for engine sealing and is very effective. My question is how can I close the system on a 2012 Avenger to accurately perform the smoke test?

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Media Junkie, thanks!!! That's a ESIM system on there. It has the little white and black assembly mounted to the canister that has weights inside of it. Check out my video covering Chrysler evap. I get into it there. Look in the EVAP playlist for it. Mike Becker, Senior Instructor

[@oussamamansouri4261]

hi mike thanks for the great video ... are oxygen sensors present just in petrol cars or even in diesel cars ???

[@GoTechTraining]

Hi Oussama, thanks for watching! Modern diesels do run oxygen sensors, not only gasoline cars anymore. Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@jm-ve8ry]

Wow, excellent.

[@robpaul7900]

I have a 2001 Silverado 5.3l what do you think my leak would be from p0442 small leak only turns on every other week or 2 weeks what would you guess that's coming from if you had to guess?

[@Snowdog216]

Great info, thanks. Maybe someone can answer this. My understanding is the entire purpose of the EVAP system is to prevent gas fumes from going into the open air, ie outside the tank. And in fact those fumes are trapped and drawn back into the engine through the purge solenoid, and burned like fuel. Which was the first thing referenced in the video. So why is the vent solenoid in the Open position? Thanks.

[@youngmauro12]

Thanks!

[@mikerozic7225]

Thank You!

[@mariodiy4517]

I have a 2005 Honda Pilot that doesn't pass the EVAP self test. Using a Launch Scan tool. But I'm not getting any EVAP codes. My FTP reading when the engine is off is a -0.10 hg. Once the vehicle runs and I monitor it, the pressure goes up to about 0.29hg. The only code I have is for a p0172. Is it common for EVAP issues to.make an engine run rich? I've ruled out bad 02 Sensors (replaced already) and Injectors. Thanks for any input. My Temp reading at ECT 1 is at 183-185 F. Should be at 195. I did get an intermittent p0116. I will be replacing my thermostat since it's inexpensive. I don't know if that's also contributing to my issue.

[@arbez.nation]

Mike, Mike, Mike, I need more shirts. We need a final Jeopardy question.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey man, I hear ya! I have them all here, pocketed and not pocketed! Just need to put something together and go live once lockdown is over ;) Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@muhammedsons2675]

GrEAT JOB BRO

[@coniholden4409]

Awesome thank you.

[@GoTechTraining]

You're welcome!

[@2derekjeter2]

So if disconnect the power from the purge selenoid there should be no suction but if the power plug is connected you should feel suction correct?

[@garyspitzervoiceoversproje6537]

What adapter do you use to hook up to the evap service port?

[@PhillyDee215]

That machine will be so convenient!!!

[@GoTechTraining]

It really is Philly...it's my favorite smoke machine by far. Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@tonykari5124]

Is it common to NOT have any codes thrown but have a to lean pending code (2187&89)on the OB2. I ask only because I think that I have a leak up front someplace because I CANNOT get my EVAP or secondary air to get ready for the emissions test. My car runs / drives perfectly btw.

[@SwedishHunter77]

Please I have question, since check engine light comes on after long investigation in Toyota/ sienna2021, do you have an idea if the smoke comes out thru rounded plastic(Vapor Canister Filter) has small fins this located around the filler neck by fuel cap ? Is that leaking or normal during smoke test ?

[@danbyvuong3149]

I did the smoke test I see smoke come out of the gas cap it's band new from dealer. is the gas cap work on vacuum or pressure. what should I do next new cap again I clean the fill neck very well got better but still a little smoke come out.

[@Richard-nq3rh]

good video i took my truck 88 chevy cheyenne 4.3l for a smog test everything went great it pass everything until it he put smoke in the gas tank and said I had gross leak and fail the test. Now I need to find the leak. it looks like all the evap stuff in under the hood but i just don't know if there some type of vent solenoid by the fuel tank or not. I remenber in the old days mechanic would clamp the vaper hose from the fuel tank to do a smoke test. I can't find info in my Haynes manual which is useless . does anyone know?

[@davidcortes2576]

Thank You

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey David, thank you for watching! Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@bobpalmer4740]

will any laser light work? also i take the vent valve and plug it after i smell the smoke, i have to get another smoker as my home made blew up and caught fire. but my s10 still give p0440 so i have to now wait for another code to see if i get another code to help guide me to the point. i did not see any smoke the last test i did.

[@jeremyanthony9300]

Hey Mike. Good to see you again. What kind of car are working on in this video?

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Jeremy, thanks for watching!!! This vehicle happened to be a 2011 Chevy Traverse. Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@chickballz313]

I just did a smoke test from the purge valve and after about 30 seconds fuel was leaking out of the filler neck. What could that be? I was thinking a saturated canister

[@bobpalmer4740]

will a smoke test work ok form the evap test port? i tried to do one the other day from that test port and the smoke was going somewhere but i just could not see it. so i might have to get a laser light or maybe a red light or blue light what might work better? what would be a good cheaper dyt smoker to get for the occasional tests will i have to find the purge valve and block that? or if it is leaking i guess i will see smoke from the TB area that would tell me the purge valve is bad? for the vent valve i know i will have to close. i do not have the tool to command so i take the hose off and plug that valve. i have to get or make a smoker. i did make one out of a glass jar and it worked well until it broke the other day and started burning. thanks

[@juergenscholl2843]

Hi Mike, thank you for the video. ... Does this smoke machine generate nitrogene as medium?

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Juergen, thanks for watching! I wish I knew. I guess i'd have to find out from Redline. My guess is not, but I honestly have no idea. Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@Snekul_Xfire11]

When I do a smoke test, smoke is pouring out of my EGR diaphragm. Is that normal ?

[@nwsights6301]

So I performed this test with my smoke machine, closed/blocked the vent solenoid pipe system wasn't holding pressure extremely small leak, noticed very faint smoke and could hear a hissing noise from my gas cap so is that my leak? My code is P0456 very small leak. The gas cap is supposed to keep the pressure in when the car is off yes?

[@jonleone777]

I have an 06 ram 1500 that has a strong gas odor at the rear drivers side wheel well where the gas tank is. I dont see a physical leak of any kind from the various connectors on the tank and have no check engine light. Any ideas.

[@rogerchabot8684]

i connected to the purge solenoid hose going to the back solenoid that is completely disconnected hose and all and pressure is building up and no smoke is coming out and gas cap is out

[@andrewk778]

With machines equipped with their own air compressor, can I dismiss the necessity of argon gas in the testing process? Thank you for sharing.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Andrew, personally I've never used argon in testing. The only gas i've ever used besides shop air was nitrogen. I'm not sure if the tool has some sort of special compressor/filter type thing that limits the oxygen content. Would need to talk to Redline on that one. Mike Becker Senior Instructor

[@Pgonzo8798]

New to this channel. Do you have a video troubleshooting a P0505 code? If not, can you think about doing a video on that.