Smoke Machine For Finding Vacuum Leaks

www.ktecgarage.com
Discord: / discord
Autoline Pro SMK-PC Smoke Machine: amzn.to/454sflI As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Engine running lean? Not idling worth a damn? Vacuum leaks are the most likely culprit. A leak is usually pretty easy to fix yourself with something as simple as a roll of electric tape. Finding them is the problem.
I recently purchased this product off Amazon and I am going to to give you an honest review and demonstration. This review is not sponsored.
Common DTC for for a lean condition would be P0171, P2172 and P2173. Honda programming could produce P0505 which indicates an idle air control malfunction but the problem is actually a vacuum leak. Keep that in mind before loading up the parts cannon!
There are many ways to "skin the cat" and these are the methods that I use. Any criticisms or alternate methods posted in the comments are welcome, just keep it civil.
Disclaimer:
I am not a mechanic and do not warranty or guarantee any of the information contained in this video. Please follow all safety instructions included with the tools that you use and always wear eye and other necessary safety protection.

[@phillipzx3754]

I bought the version with the "built-in" compressor a few days ago. After unboxing, reading the easy to follow instructions, I went outside and hooked it up to my car. 30 seconds after I turned on the pump I found the leak. This is a MUST HAVE tool for the "home mechanic."

[@ktecgarage]

Absolutely. Most older cars have vacuum leaks.

[@sergioabundez]

Whats the model number or brand,?

[@HaggisMuncher-69-420]

I'm surprised that actual shops don't have these. At least the ones I go to. I think they use vacuum tests rather than smoke ones but this way is 1000x better

[@phillipzx3754]

@@HaggisMuncher-69-420 The local Ford dealer wanted half again as much as the smoker cost to "smoke" my system for leaks. I may never use it again, but I found the leak and fixed it. Actually, there were two. After I fixed the first (which was larger) I found a second. Had I gone to the dealer a second time I would have had close to $400.... just in diagnostics!

[@onegoal03]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to make it!

[@watchmanonthewallcouk6498]

Thank you sir, wanted a review of this product and im glad you mentioned its made right here in the US

[@ktecgarage]

And thank you for letting me know the video helped you out!

[@jonrandall5490]

thankfully you actually showed how to use this machine. Great !!

[@ktecgarage]

Glad to hear the video was helpful!

[@thomascampbell5633]

Very helpful video. I just bought one of these and wanted to get some pointers on its use before it arrives. Thank you.

[@ktecgarage]

I've been pretty happy with mine. It's better made than I thought it would be. Thanks for letting me know the video was helpful!

[@sametbaydar6027]

Great video that explains the purpose, mechanism and how to use with demonstration. Five stars!

[@ktecgarage]

Thank you!

[@ovalwingnut]

Very COoL. Really well explained. Extra bonus points that it uses a old style 'spray paint pot' for the container. Thank you for the video. Hot tip: Use "SeaFoam" instead of baby oil and you can kill two birds with one stone.

[@ktecgarage]

Thank you!

[@newworldodor2641]

I just invested in one of these. I've got 3 cars 15+ years old that require constant maintenance. Dried and cracked vacuum lines are driving me crazy. Hopefully, this thing will help me get them back in shape.

[@georgew.miller5643]

Me to. Driving me crazy also... Can't find the problems... I started out changing sensors.

[@newworldodor2641]

@@georgew.miller5643 I found a sizeable hose leak that was causing the engine to run rough. Without this smoker, my only option was to replace all the vacuum hoses hoping to fix the problem. I also got one of those foam cones to fit the tail pipe so I can smoke out exhaust leaks too.

[@BlackJesus8463]

yup

[@bigr0075]

I have the same unit compressor version. Indispensable time saver. Vacuum leak found, exhaust leak, air mattress, air seat leak, and on... Paid for itself it's first use

[@ktecgarage]

Yep. They can save you a lot of headaches.

[@JakobWilliamHedrichSikhMoor]

Great video man! One of the best explanations on KZbin for the smoke machine. You gave a clear explanation of what to do and what everything looks like some people are a bit to vague you answered all my questions

[@ktecgarage]

Thank you! Glad to hear the video was helpful.

[@kicknsystm]

I actually got here because of watching one of your other vids. a moment ago. I subscribed while watching that one. Great content, thank you & looking forward to more.

[@ktecgarage]

Welcome to the show! Thank you for the kind words.

[@jorgesaavedra1232]

Great content and amazing explanation very detailed. Thank you

[@ktecgarage]

Thank you, my friend. Glad the video was helpful.

[@reaper-tq8es]

Hey just watched your video thank you again. looking at the product they now have two versions yours, and another with a small built in air pump for only a few dollars more. been meaning to buy a large air compressor but haven't yet. So the one with air pump is the way to go for me. Thank you for your review.

[@ktecgarage]

Thank you! I'm very glad to hear that you found the video helpful.

[@patrickoleary8782]

Ordered one. Built the PVC model, it worked! But getting the proper wire gauge and ohms is CRITICAL!! Got too hot so plug in floor flange melted. It made LOTS of smoke!!! I may repair at later date as spare.

[@JKVTrucking007]

Thank you, sir!

[@ktecgarage]

Glad to hear the video was helpful. Thank you for commenting!

[@ButchNackley]

I use a small 12v DC air pump with a cigar. Cost around $12.00 and works perfectly.

[@w.j.bendellr.c.flying.1037]

Great Job.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@ktecgarage]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@2112user]

Thanks for doing the video, I was eyeballing this one on Amazon but I'm kind of on the fence between it and a DIY (plumbing pipe build) as I've got most of the materials on hand.. minus pvc. I like the looks of a bought one, but the thought of replaceable heater and such on the DIY. I was wondering, if it's not too much trouble, could you show the inside or let us know if the "guts"(coil and wick) are user replaceable.

[@ktecgarage]

Actually, I have the tool in storage right now. It is a coil wrapped around a wick. Those homemade ones work to a degree, but this one is hassle free.

[@JARCAICO]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ktecgarage]

And thank you for your kind words. Glad you liked it!

[@btu91111]

Thanks for the review. I was about to get this anyway. My homemade smoker with glass jar and solder iron sucks. You can,t hang it up so it falls over or tries to burn stuff. No regulator so you can and I think I did induce an intake manifold leak If you over pressurize. Not enough smoke. I did find some leaks with it that I could not with spray flammables but what a PITA .

[@ktecgarage]

Then I hope the video makes you feel good about your purchase. I've been happy with it. Thanks for commenting!

[@JessicaNavas5713]

Thanks for mentioning that it could be used with a tire inflator, looking for a good source of air for this without breaking the bank, is there a different name for the "female shop tool fitting"

[@600streetbikr]

I try to use the brake booster hose ..or i use a ballon fitting on the intake

[@BlackJesus8463]

Thanks!

[@ktecgarage]

Glad this was helpful!

[@1Man77-xe4gg]

Great video as usual. Did your egr valve leak smoke doing the test? Mine does and I'm told it's working as design, open when car is not cranked.

[@ktecgarage]

Thank you! Mine did not leak. The times I had the EGR off of that Accord, the valve was closed, so I don't believe it would be open when not running. Same for the older Civics and Ridgelines/Pilots. I don't know about other car brands.

[@1Man77]

@@ktecgarageI check and mine is closed and tested to see if it opened and closed which it does. But the smoke is coming from the lower body and not the gasket. The same for the original one and another new one. So that two new and one failed EGR. Stumped

[@ktecgarage]

I've found that you have to get under the car to see where the leak is at. It could be leaking from something under the EGR like the intake manifold gasket or a vacuum line.

[@orangekitties44]

hey you want to avoid idle issues forever? bypass you IACV but it will take longer to warn up but run just as good once it reaches operating temp. cut out a soda can and drill 4 holes and wedge it between the iacv and tb. you're iacv wont affect idle and wont give a CEL like deleting it. you can also get rid of the coolant lines to it.

[@DefundTheFringes]

Lazy way of doing things for hillbilly mechanics. You can't just disable integrated systems without causing other problems.

[@gush9348]

Greetings, teacher!😁

[@ktecgarage]

Hey, man! Hope your F23 is holding up. 💪

[@olenaerhardt7725]

Thank you for showing the points where to connect the smoking hose. I was guessing about that PCV Valve, but was not sure. Does it say in instructions for that Smoke Machine what pressure to apply for each test? And if the car doesn't have any PCV valve (one of ours doesn't, 2003 Chevy Cavalier) where to connect that smoking hose then? Thank you again.

[@ktecgarage]

That machine only uses a pound or two of pressure. It it not adjustable. Any vacuum hose on the intake manifold can be used. Brake booster, purge, etc. The PCV was just the easiest on this engine.

[@olenaerhardt7725]

@@ktecgarage I see, thank you. I've heard (fm /one film), that Brake Booster hose has some sensor in it, so better not to use that port. Purge Valve on this car (1002 Saturn SL2) is hard to reach. But I can always use PCV port. Especially you can use it in both directions.

[@johnsmith6368]

How are you getting so much smoke? I have the same machine and don't even get half the smoke you are getting. I'm using the oil that came with the kit but mine is clear.

[@jaxv94]

Could it be used to find a rain leak?

[@AmeriFanPicker]

So it only works off the battery? Can you unhook it and take it to the back of the car to do the exhaust and it still makes smoke

[@ktecgarage]

It needs 12v DC. A battery charger will run it or you could take your battery out of your car.

[@TotoGuy-Original]

looks like a paint spray gun canister. how hot does the lid get? im thinking of making one and i have a paint gun i dont use with a canister just like this. my only concern is the seal. but maybe they put a better one on this

[@ktecgarage]

It gets too hot to touch

[@TotoGuy-Original]

@@ktecgarage thank you

[@edgarmendez1227]

How much air pressure you need to use it correctly I have been watching many videos and I was not able to find the correct pressure

[@ktecgarage]

I think the regulator on the machine takes it down to 2 psi. I was running 60, but 10 would probably be fine.

[@edgarmendez1227]

@@ktecgarage thank you I really appreciate it

[@Therey1898]

Can i use it on the intake hose for the smoke test?

[@ktecgarage]

You would have to hold the throttle open and block off your air cleaner. PCV valve into your intake would be a better option.

[@dad3562]

Could I hook up a tire compressor pump to the air port on the smoke machine?

[@ktecgarage]

I would ask the manufacturer before you purchase it. That regulator turns the pressure from a compressor way down.

[@dad3562]

@@ktecgarage nice roger that!

[@richardjohnson4373]

I have a Nissan Juke and keep getting a MAF code 0101. I was wondering if there was a vacuum leak do you think this would help find out. I am on third sensor so I don't think that is my problem.

[@ktecgarage]

Could be a vacuum leak. Also a damaged intake snorkle or a clogged catalytic converter. Good Luck!

[@richardjohnson4373]

@ktecgarage if it was the cat wouldn't I get upside o2 sensor sound off? I am ordering that smoke maker. Thank you for the video.

[@ktecgarage]

I had a chevy truck oncr that had a clogged cat and it never through a code. I guess it just depends on how Nissan programs them. Hopefully it is just a vacuum leak. Let me know what you find out.

[@dntlss]

Quick question, aren't you supposed to cap the throttle body, this test wouldn't work on my car unless you put a latex glove over the T body, thats what most people do because a huge amount of smoke gets channeled in that direction just like in your test and technically the system cant pressurize to perform the test properly, thats why its coming out of that hose that is torn,the machine looks like it works great, might have to get one for myself.

[@ktecgarage]

You are exactly right. I probably should have included that.

[@davidhimmelsbach557]

This machine worked -- once -- and then broke. Now, no smoke. It's amazingly fragile.

[@ktecgarage]

Sorry to hear that. Sounds like you got a bum unit. It happens. Hopefully the manufacturer will make it right.

[@patriot72]

What psi should I have my compressor at?

[@ktecgarage]

There is a regulator on this model, so it shouldn't matter.

[@patriot72]

@@ktecgarage Awesome! Thanks! I had my wife order me one. It came already Thank God! I may do a video on our project with it for our channel as well…. God bless my friend In Jesus Name! Thanks God and you for the video, nice job on it! 👍

[@ktecgarage]

Glad to hear the video was helpful. Hopefully you'll get that Jeep running before the epocalypse!

[@patriot72]

@@ktecgarage Lol Thanks brother! Lol thought I would add some humor to the channel lol

[@JettaRedIII]

Good video, but why do KZbin guys just throw stuff around like it's worthless? Not just you, but every KZbin video during an unboxing all the contents just get tossed around.

[@ktecgarage]

I never really noticed that. Too much testosterone? 😆 Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@irisbaez1972]

$ 120.00? Man, better use a cigarette in a can and blow air. WOW.

[@ezwa9979]

Ql😯..

[@degar1877]

Ordered same one and it did not work as presented in this video. Added the liquid per instructions waited the 3 minutes hooked up the compressor and no smoke. Waste of money.

[@mikez2370]

Next time eat a Snickers Bar and slow down and quit tossing stuff

[@ktecgarage]

😁