How to Make a DIY Smoke Machine

[@Bentleemedia]

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.

[@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).

[@Pr0ph3cy-k5z]

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.

[@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

[@の男日本人]

@@JoseCruz-kp7ru Oh..

[@tammy7087]

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

[@63mrl]

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

[@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!).

[@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.

[@ellingtonsk]

Thank you for the exhaustive instructions to assemble a DIY smoke machine. I’m rating your video as the bestir me! Thank you Sir!

[@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...

[@TheRealXyzven]

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

[@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 :)

[@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

[@nolimitstech8595]

The man has got his priorities right👏👏👏

[@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!!

[@darrylmcleman6456]

South Main Auto Repair = great stuff!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@thebandmcomputer]

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

[@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!

[@dannytracie208]

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

[@StateofPeaches99]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@greygoosemafia]

You and eric o are both great channels.

[@mightymoe4u2]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@jaredhammel4587]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@dnlmachine4287]

A Barbecue briquette or incense works good. Incense will burn cool too. Stay gold.

[@MrJeepmarine]

Excellent video, exactly what I needed.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@yazming1720]

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

[@chi-yinpang5615]

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

[@trackerrrr]

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

[@siucbset]

WholeSaler: What do you mean you are a whole saler? I thought the wholesaler bought from the auction house then sales to the public. Do you have a relation ship with the auction house where you get vehicles up to standard before they are sold? You input please.

[@myRatchets]

A Retailer is who sells to the public, he can buy at an auction, from the public or other dealers. A wholesaler can also buy from the auction or public or other dealers but can only sell at an auction or to other dealers. I got no special relations with any auction or dealerships. Buy, fix (to varying degrees) and sell. That's how you do it.

[@siucbset]

Interesting: Do you buy from the public, dealer, auction or all? Do you sell to the public, dealer, auction or all? Do you have a license and if so what kind? Do you have an automobile mechanic's license and if so what kind?

[@testosteroneinc.3800]

Can this be used to smoke crack?

[@SGDeGalvez]

have you tried putting a smoke bomb in there? Like the 4thof july one or would that pollute the system?

[@JasonWW2000]

SGDeGalvez You need a small amount of pressure to push the smoke out of any leaks. Otherwise the smoke will just sit there and do nothing.

[@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.

[@ralphenglehart647]

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

[@sniper198369]

Charcoal works pretty good

[@nickayivor8432]

What do you call INTELLECTUAL AND PRODIGY and SUBSTANTIAL add one more KNOWLEDGEABLE the answer is Ratchets and Wrench My teacher Thanks for sharing what you know with us great video. Take care and have a great day INTELLECTUAL Ratchets and Wrench From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@PistonShack]

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

[@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.

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

From another video -- use a soldering iron to heat the baby oil saturated rag. You avoid the fire and the excessive can heat. The other video used a glass pasta container.

[@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.

[@theyrealltaken3]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@INTERNA9]

Thanx again

[@dianasworldoffixingthings4090]

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

[@ProjectCarTV]

Nice

[@fredoo9835]

Can you use a fog machine?

[@dennisgarryowen8885]

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

[@fomoco1454]

Charcoal & cardboard makes good thick smoke.

[@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.

[@manuelperez6973]

Muy buenisima idea papa gracias

[@Mike-gr2ok]

Heat can with a blow torch from outside, don't go crazy with the heat, check it with lid open to see how much heat you need to make good smoke guys

[@mightymoe4u2]

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

[@robertallen3133]

Thank you for your great videos. learn a lot !

[@robertallen3133]

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

[@myRatchets]

I had two actually, they were great :-)

[@fieldsofomagh]

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

[@myRatchets]

ha that'll be a while.

[@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.

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

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.

[@carola.zwilson368]

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

[@C.O.SBurpees]

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

[@turdsmcgee14]

Instead of an open flame take the cloth with the oil on it wrap it around an old soldering iron and put it in the can then plug in the iron. Smokey goodness.

[@atv0072013]

I found a very easy way to make a smoke machine and you clean everything on the top half of the motor too. Buy a bottle of Lucas injector cleaner in the 28oz bottle and take off the hose of the break booster and let the bottle suck it in and you will find leaks that way.

[@375tommyg]

Does smoke leave an oily residue?

[@ingascheib8873]

What about EVAP? Where do you check it from there?

[@WD-sr8qz]

Cool vid man. i would say use a smoke grenade since they have an oxidizer already and won't smother when you put the lid on.

[@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.

[@dholfactory5878]

really amazing cool video brother

[@GeraldThomasphotojunkie]

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

[@jamesglenn6461]

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

[@INTERNA9]

Great idea!

[@Z0mBi3DoG]

Would this be a good idea to help find a leak in the Evap system

[@MANDSMANDS-ei6so]

i use mine to find leaks in evap systems all the time just make sure u dont have more then 2psi so u dont damage anything in the system

[@myRatchets]

Yes, agreed with MANDS480. It should work just fine. gl

[@MANDSMANDS-ei6so]

Also dont forget to close the vent valve to fill the system with smoke and pressure.sometime if the vent is left open it wont allow pressure to build and leak through tiny cracks.thts what i do.

[@shadowdog500]

Not sure if I would want to hook a flaming rag to my evap system. +1 on the pressure being too high. most put a BBQ pressure regulator on their air intake to limit it to around 1PSI. Chris

[@NewLevelAuto]

+Ratchets And Wrenches absolutely not ! Whoa , guys there is a problem with ever using anything other than an inert gas in a evap system . Remember you are pressurizing a closed fuel system at some point . If by chance your positive pressure should drop before venting the system , the backdraft created by the siphoning action of the change in pressure would cause your fuel vapors to head directly towards your smoke source. All smoke machine manufacturers have accounted for this and use a one way type valve even though they are using just a heating element. If they are worried about a super slim chance of an arc, why would anyone think it safe to use an ember?

[@AnythingEverythingGh]

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

[@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.

[@Xantylon74]

6:05 can needs an O2 sensor for better combustion. ^^

[@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!!!

[@v8berenguer372]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing it.

[@dansreallife]

Use a soldering iron instead of light and run. Smooth burn for a long time

[@0ptimal]

Cool guy. Thanks for the video.

[@jvmagic]

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

[@patrickrobinson317]

Great video - thanks !!!

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Does an open flame present an explosion hazard I wonder?

[@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

[@523panda]

Nice video. maybe a charcoal and then put the rag in that way it will smolder longer.

[@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.

[@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.