How to Make a DIY Smoke Machine

In this video I make a quick backyard smoke machine and use it to find vacuum leaks on a 2004 F150 with a 4.2L engine. A smoke machine is a great tool to have, because sometimes a small vacuum leak is alot more tougher to find than one would imagine.
Check Out Eric O. at:
South Main Auto Repair Channel: / @southmainauto
Tools Used in the Video:
1 Gallon Paint Can: amzn.to/2aYobbx
1/4 Male Quick Connect Fittings: amzn.to/2aYnJdq
Vinyl Tubing: amzn.to/2bzJ4yO
Baby Oil: amzn.to/2aZU18u
Please consider supporting this channel: / ratchets
Please Consider Supporting My Channel at : / rnw
Facebook: / ratchets2015
Twitter: / ratchets15
Instagram: / ratchetsandwrenches
Here are some other video's you may find interesting:
How does an EGR System and Valve Work: • How an EGR System Work...
How does a PCV Valve Work and How You Can Test It: • How Does a PCV System ...
How to Remove Scratches From Your Car: • How to Remove Scratche...
If this video helped you out please don't forget to subscribe, give it a thumbs up or if you are feeling generous leaving a tip by clicking the " i " button on the top right corner of the screen. Thank you very much for your support!
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchetsand Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchetsand Wrenches.

[@Healthy_Horseman]

A tip for covering the throttle body is a latex glove, its air tight and allows you to see the pressure build withing the system by watch the glove get bigger and use in-scents they smoke good and don't get the can hot.

[@AcquiredCents]

Genius thanks, would that work in other places? I have a p0171 code, i dunno what happened, it did start right after I put on a new muffler. I dunno...... some say this, some say that.

[@Cobalt135]

I think JB weld 2 part metal epoxy would be perfect for sealing the fittings in the lid. Make holes, mix up 5 minute epoxy and install fittings. 20 minutes later you have a solid seal less likely to leak than flexible silicone. I will be building one of these to locate a "Small EVAP Leak" code that is not from the gas cap integrity pump (Jeep JK).

[@venomx4093]

I made pretty much the same smoke machine a while back. I use smoke bombs "firecrackers" instead of baby oil and rags. It produces nice thick smoke.

[@oldskoolfunk71]

Great work my man I made a glass smoker video but I will be making another one out of a paint can like yours, great idea with the can I'll make a video of it also. There is always time for an ice cream break lol keep the great videos coming God Bless.

[@MrPavePaws]

I lit the rag and threw it into the gas tank. I got plenty of smoke. Even the fire department agreed.

[@carydeleon4442]

Doctor radios

[@patrickrobinson317]

LOL !!!!

[@cokhongkhiep9519]

lol

[@Jeremy.Bearemy]

And you don't have a broken vehicle anymore. Problem solved!!!

[@paulcrocker4553]

Vacuum leak solved, the fire melted all the hose joints together, pretty much sealing everything up into a big ol ball of melted rubber and plastic

[@edgerrr]

Thank you, your follow-up on incorporating a smoke-machine was something new to me and very helpful! You may not be Dr. House as far as diagnosing issues to the Nth degree but still very helpful. Much respect to you for your honesty and level of technical expertise (which is much higher than mine!).

[@djr3485]

Love the ice cream moment. Great idea for the smoke machine too - a little more refining and it would work great.

[@samwittstruck.6685]

J

[@2aminitials]

I used incense sticks in my smoke machine. A couple inches of sand in the bottom of the container holds the container in place and provides a way to prop up the incense sticks. Of course I used the finest Dollar General incense, can't use bad incense for a rusty Ranger.

[@ratgreen]

Came here to post this. Works a treat

[@JoseCruz-kp7ru]

I used old condoms

[@user-ii3oj2jh2x]

@@JoseCruz-kp7ru Oh..

[@tammy7087]

@@JoseCruz-kp7ru You're supposed to bring smoke off them when they're new.

[@dianasworldoffixingthings4090]

Good try on the smoke machine. I love the way you explain things, very clear and concise.

[@Machewching]

ah man!!! I watch South Main Auto all the time and you are so right about his diagnostic abilities and i have recomended my mechanic friend go to that channel for the same reason!!

[@dannytracie208]

Thank you sir! You helped me fix my Trailblazer myself. Keep up the great work!!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

I like this idea of a cheap smoke machine. Thank you and keep the videos coming!

[@myRatchets]

will do, thanks for watching TDM. Cheers

[@chi-yinpang5615]

Thanks for taking the time to educate us. You smoke machine is simple and functional.

[@63mrl]

I've seen your videos and they've helped greatly; and yes, Eric O SMA is a class act.

[@thebandmcomputer]

Love your videos, thanks for making them. I agree, South Main Auto, like you....ROCKS!!!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Wow what a nice gesture sir! Completely unexpected! Funny thing is my next up coming vid it has a stop at the ice cream store too :) and I am working on a 6 cyl Ford with a lean code. Crazy right!? Not what you would expect on it but I won't give any more of it away. Thanks again for the props sir!

[@myRatchets]

ha that's funny, what are the odds. Well deserved shout out sir, you make great video's and more people should know about your channel. Keep up the great work! cheers

[@SouthMainAuto]

Well I appreciate that if you weren't all the way over in the Pacific Ocean we would be doing vids together I am sure. Think people could handle that much comedy?

[@spelunkerd]

It's a well deserved shoutout, I watch both your channels regularly.

[@myRatchets]

haha I think that video might start off as an auto repair video than turn out be about comedy and something entirely different lol

[@SouthMainAuto]

Lol as long as we get ice cream at some point I am good with it :)

[@StateofPeaches99]

This is a really good video to get the newbie diy up and going.

[@ralphenglehart647]

wood chips work great as well👍 im gonna try the paint can version, looks impressive👊

[@TheRealXyzven]

I love the mistakes videoed, it shows us the process and definitely helps. Great vid in 2021 .

[@PistonShack]

Awesome video. I need to do smoke test on my van. Thanks a lot for making the video.

[@robertallen3133]

Thank you for your great videos. learn a lot !

[@farmboysgarage7595]

I think that was a great idea, maybe a few tweaks would make it work better, but it was a good start and it did work! SMA is hard to beat!

[@stewartbruce2409]

I always enjoy your excellent video tutorials. I have tried to find a leak with both propane, and starter fluid for my 240 volvo, and could not find a change in idle rpm. My question is testing it with a smoke machine more effective? Thank you for your knowledge, and ability to teach us out in youtube land!!!

[@MrJeepmarine]

Excellent video, exactly what I needed.

[@nolimitstech8595]

The man has got his priorities right👏👏👏

[@mightymoe4u2]

I did this. Works grate. Made my own vid. Thank you for showing the world

[@dholfactory5878]

really amazing cool video brother

[@v8berenguer372]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing it.

[@greygoosemafia]

You and eric o are both great channels.

[@mightymoe4u2]

Thank you. This worked grate. I'm posting my video of how to make one also for my friends

[@wxfield]

A hand (bicycle) pump works really well if you don't have a compressor. If you cut a third hole in the lid and glue a cheap soldering iron to it (with the hot end inside the can). With enough mineral oil in the can, and a saturated rag touching the soldering iron tip..you'll have lots of dense, white smoke.

[@tono002]

better and safer

[@BrananaPuddin]

Will that completely ruin the soldering iron?

[@TheTruthBeToId]

@@BrananaPuddin Na it'll be fine, you can clean it after with a wire brush.

[@steo-m5563]

@@BrananaPuddin soldering iron tips are usually readily replaceable anyway...

[@jerm5772]

What I learned from this video. When your smoke machine burns you, find an icecream truck.

[@chungaleta1234]

Eric at SMA is a Genius,, That's the beauty of this community, You guys are all great and complement each other with different styles and cases. Yours, for example, is unique and great... Short, simple, useful, cutting to the chase with detailed explanations of concepts on the board. Keep rocking mate!!!

[@myRatchets]

Yes, a good group of youtube channels on youtube regarding Auto Repair. A lot of good info out there to learn.

[@dennisgarryowen8885]

Hey this is a good idea, thanks. I think that a little water and dry ice would really work great.

[@yazming1720]

Can gets HOT 🔥... LOL.. Your way to KEWL.. Great video's keep up the Great work

[@darrylmcleman6456]

South Main Auto Repair = great stuff!

[@GeraldThomasphotojunkie]

You've got to stop for ice cream! Great video!

[@Engineer9736]

I just made this with a paint can, air compressor and a garden hose. Works great 😀 If you turn up the air compressor you can make a jet engine with that fire lol. Unfortunately didn't find any leaks in the engine yet. But i'm still working on making the smoke generator more air tight so more pressure can go into the engine.

[@michaelpatosa]

Great tip my brother thank you!

[@subwayguy1610]

I like the touch of comedy you include in your videos :).

[@myRatchets]

That's how you do it!! Glad to hear :0

[@subwayguy1610]

Ratchets And Wrenches Hahaha, keep the videos coming!

[@mike-yp1uk]

another good one is to watch the o2 numbers on your scanner while directing propane to suspect area and the o2 sensor will max out.

[@carola.zwilson368]

they have a lot of great and interesting things on here.

[@jimstools3937]

I have a 2002 Ford van 4.2 engine. I learned a lot from your videos. I want to build one of these and see if I can find my vacuum leaks. Thank you for sharing .

[@davidchristopher5976]

You won't find them. 4.2s leak internally replace all your intake gaskets.

[@jimstools3937]

@@davidchristopher5976 Thank you for that. Can you just tell me how many hours for that type of job?

[@davidchristopher5976]

Just a couple. It's pretty easy and straightforward. Sometimes the intake breaks internally too. You may have to replace it. A junkyard will probably have the updated part.

[@wilrosh7]

Cool video! Thanks for the demonstration. Am about to make one, but i bought color smoke cakes from eBay. They are like smoke bombs. They should work well.

[@rafaelchuqui6553]

Hi, good job !! i understand you, then others, you explain clearly for me...... Question?? what's the sizes of the drill when you made the two holes i might have but i got to make sure the sizes, and alse the two things to put in the hole, thank you very much.

[@wyattoneable]

It was a good DIY smoke machine. I think we can get that to work. SMA is an awesome place for diagnostics and repair. You can't go wrong watching Eric O. or this channel!

[@INTERNA9]

Great idea!

[@0ptimal]

Cool guy. Thanks for the video.

[@fieldsofomagh]

Diagnostics would be great. Will wait for smoke machine mark 2 before attempting build ☺.

[@myRatchets]

ha that'll be a while.

[@lerch122]

thank you for this info

[@alaautotonics4403]

Great Video !!!!

[@patrickrobinson317]

Great video - thanks !!!

[@winstonsmart69]

Great Video thnx

[@flightofthefatman]

Thanks for dat. Something learned is something gained.

[@troyt9007]

I haven't done it, but I was wondering how a smoke bomb that you can get at your fireworks stands would work. Seems like it would be much safer than an open flame. I used to hold them in my hand as a kid. Plus you could use different colors and I would think that would be much more visible.

[@jameskarl8908]

Try pine hollow auto diagnostics! Ivan is the Jedi of auto diagnosing. Eric is a master too, but some of the stuff Ivan does is really impressive!!

[@theyrealltaken3]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelnovak7343]

Great video. If you made the tube from the air compressor extend to the bottom of the can it might keep the oil burning longer. The fresh air was probably bypassing the flame and not contributing to combustion.

[@endtimeswriter]

if you did that the fire would probably burn the tube

[@smc9764]

I made something similar and it helped find a leak between my brake booster and firewall. Here is what I did instead of using fire and rag. I used some wire that can conduct electricity and drilled two additional ports with two terminals into my can with the wire running through the mineral oil. Then take some small jumpers and hook it up to your battery and it will cause the oil to heat up and smoke. I used my mouth to blow into one port instead of using my air compressor.

[@areefullakhan2005]

Good job sir

[@javiercarrillo5015]

eres un chingonazzo amigo te felicito.

[@eddieduran42]

nice!tks for the info

[@Peter-tf2uc]

This is a great idea. Thank you!

[@moofushu]

Try 4 charcoal briskets that are well lit and then put them into the can with the old shirt. I think the coals will be hot enough to keep burning the rag in a closed can. All fires go out without oxygen. Thank for sharing. I've made one with a glow plug and connecting the glow plug to a battery charger starter.

[@shadowdog500]

I actually found you when Eric O referenced your channel a year or two ago. I think he may have told his viewers to look at your explanation of the AC system. Chris

[@myRatchets]

I remember that, glad to have you on board. cheers

[@dc5723]

Same here, I'm more mechanical than diagnostic but slowly learning.  Thanks for the great videos all these years.

[@abogala8799]

Thank you for DIY

[@myRatchets]

np, thanks for watching.

[@curiosity2314]

I checked out South Main, he is cool and has a great sense of humor! Throw a 4th of July smoke bomb in the can and you will be all set...

[@myRatchets]

I actually thought of making a diy smoke bomb to do this, was short on time and said fk it, the rag it is :-) Will save that for Diy Smoke Machine II :)

[@curiosity2314]

It's not about being a better channel, Ratchets and Wrenches offered the channel up because he thought it was an excellent channel to go and check out. Comparisons should be left out when we are talking about two fine channels on KZbin. Both channels offer a unique ability to learn with some fun added.

[@shadowdog500]

I agree that there is no reason to pick one youtube mechanic over another. These guys aren't competing for subscribers, The same person can subscribe to both of them. Most of these guys probably share a lot of the same subscribers. Chris

[@untraditionalministries4588]

wouldnt b able 2 tell u like mechanics more than disgnostics by your videos which r great anyway do you have any tips r vids 2 show how to find short my obd port doesnt work

[@robertallen3133]

A for effort ! Good videos. How was the ice cream lol.

[@myRatchets]

I had two actually, they were great :-)

[@vansantsam]

Try putting a couple hot pieces of hot burning charcoal in your can with the rag and baby oil... You can also use a large glass jar with a screw on top instead of the paint can... and instead of a rag you can use some cardboard and only put so me baby oil on one side... For those who don't have a big compressor a small compressor for inflating an air mattress will also work, or even a hand pump (that blow up beach balls) can work without fear of too much pressure.. Food for thought...

[@manuelperez6973]

Muy buenisima idea papa gracias

[@Maraxion]

The idea is great, but you need a longer tube into the bucket on the intake side so the air reaches down to the fire. If not the oxygen gets sucked out at the top to fast and you end up as you did now.

[@rosss11]

grate video and thanks for the laugh RW

[@C.O.SBurpees]

I made one it really works... but what's better to use instead of baby oil

[@tgoodm1]

Wouldn't it have been a good idea to leave the intake air boot on to check for leaks/cracks in the boot? Leave boot connected and plug it from the opposite end?

[@swss12]

its a good idea but he already diagnosed the leak coming downstream of the throttle body so he limited the test space.

[@GiotheGhreat]

Hey R&W ! I did what you told me last week on your video about Long Term and Short Term Fuel Trims, I've replace the MAF and my car now has more power but now I feel the car a just a bit sluggish when is loading in third gear, what could it be? Thanks a lot !!

[@Blakelikesfood]

1) Look up: Use a soldering iron to heat the sock. 2) "Can not be more then 2 psi or will damage the system." A N/A thing? Alot of us boosted guys do ~20psi testing.

[@trackerrrr]

A short metal tube extending to the bottom of the can would help keep the fire lit.

[@norbertocastillo8551]

Good job

[@jaredhammel4587]

If you want to do this, you could use a sodering iron as a heating core.

[@RJN0607]

Kustom Smoke makes smoke machines like what you did, but they have a heat source and two electric clamps to connect to the battery. Hopefully, it you rebuild it, it would be different.

[@mindiseverything5036]

Do the cigar trick! like scotty lol but good video i might try this for fun

[@AnythingEverythingGh]

What about if you get negative fuel trims at both banks? Can a leak also cause this?

[@jvmagic]

My 90' mustang failed the 'EVAP test'. Can I use this method to test? Where would I connect the hose?

[@mddell58]

Just a thought, for a fire to continue to burn, it needs oxygen. Perhaps if you placed some pea sized holes, maybe 25 of them, around the bottom of the can, it will keep that flame burning. (smoke rises)

[@myRatchets]

Thats a good idea, it might effect the thickness of the smoke though. Worth a shot for next time.

[@mddell58]

+Ratchets And Wrenches I did a little research, since smoke rises, it should not affect it too much. Boom line, that fire HAS to have air to continue to burn. If holes are closer to bottom, 90% of smoke will rise above holes. If the fire does not constitute to burn that way, you may have to make dime size holes, OR make a few more pea size holes. I'm curious to know which will work best for you. Great idea you have!!

[@papasouzas1]

Hi and thanks for the video!Is it possible for a car to have only one O2 sensor? Thanks.

[@myRatchets]

Sure, if a car has no catalytic converter or at least no emissions requirement for a post cat o2 sensor. This is if the car has only 1 bank. Or if its a very old car than no O2 sensors even.

[@luisalejandrojorquera3177]

Very excellent tip you are a mater mecanic

[@glennauflick7122]

Thank you sir...

[@tboneproductions2453]

. How about mineral oil and a heat source like a sterno under can to create smoke? Thanx for vid

[@JerryChanD]

it is a smart way as no need for extra electric or fuel just burning baby oil. A tin can with a little drill and bit for some work and done.

[@sniper198369]

Charcoal works pretty good

[@codycastro8083]

Hello sir. Where do I hook it to for a EVAP large leak? I have a 08 Kia Optima EX V6.

[@alstevens44]

Do you have video on toyota celica 2001 4 cyl. How to R & R cyl. Head

[@hedleylint7622]

I have a fog machine. Any way to use it or modify it to use as smoke machine? Not enough pressure and gets hot.

[@jak8521]

I'm getting code p0442 small Evap leak, Can this be used to smoke the Evap system? If so should anything be removed so the smoke doesn't harm it? Thanks.

[@spelunkerd]

Yeah, I've been meaning to make my own smoke machine. I knew the conventional use of burning oil was hot, so one day I tried to do the same with a small Halloween smog machine. It didn't work. The aerosol droplets made by the machine condensed on the inner lining of the tubing and I didn't get enough smoke out. Your technique seems better, as long as the operator is careful not to burn himself or make a fire. It would have been interesting to see if you got smoke out of the dipstick hole, to help verify a lower manifold gasket leak. Another great video!

[@myRatchets]

Thanks for sharing spelunkerd, I didn't think of checking the oil dipstick tube. That would have been a good verification.

[@fredoo9835]

Can you use a fog machine?

[@neygarcia2380]

i have a mini cooper 2004, where do i plug the hose? the house cominig from the brake booster is like a hard plactic tubin and i feel its going to brake

[@jamesglenn6461]

Might be able to use a cool smoke theatrical smoke machine. Cost more, but a garage could recoup the expense.

[@hllywd964]

I don't know if you ever mentioned it, but what is your name? Great videos BTW!

[@maggiealena]

Cotton batten from fabric store and alumium foil wrapped over cotton batten will insulate enough so you will not get burned. Should be cool enough to at least touch without harm. Just fold to join foil. Then use aluminum duct tape on the seam of the foil.