How To Find An Exhaust Leak With Smoke Machine

In this video I demonstrate how to find an exhaust leak on an automobile using a smoke machine. Using a smoke machine is one of the fastest, easiest and most accurate ways of finding an exhaust leak. In the video I literally find my exhaust leak in under 5 minutes using a smoke machine. My leak was coming from a hole in the side of my muffler. However, an exhaust leak can exist at any given point along the entirety of the exhaust system including manifolds, gaskets, flanges, unions, resonators, flex pipes, etc. etc..

(By the way... I know, I know... I didn't need a smoke machine to find this leak. I've actually known about this leak for a few years now. It's a demonstration video folks. Hope it helps)

Note: The exhaust system shown in the video was a "single" exhaust system. Vehicles equipped with a "dual" exhaust system may require that each exhaust system be tested separately. If the "dual" exhaust system is equipped with an H-pipe or some other means of unifying both systems then the outlet that does not have the adapter hooked up to it will need to be capped off.

Also, as mentioned, some things that are a part of the exhaust system can leak and it can be normal for them to leak. I only mentioned a few things in the video. It is possible that other components not mentioned have "normal" leaks as well.

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GENERAL DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses, protective gloves and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbour's Auto Help, Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, synchronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual. Verify everything with your own research.

[BarboursAutoHelp]

By the way... I know, I know... I didn't need a smoke machine to find this leak. I've actually known about this leak for a few years now. It's a demonstration video folks. Hope it helps!

[uranusneptun]

Good thing mentioning the holes that are there by design!

[oshkoshbegone]

I laughed out loud at work when you showed the hole... I get it was for demonstration purposes but it was funny as hell.

[robertamaro]

I have 2010gmc sierra 5.3 want to buy a smoke machine. Where would I attach it to engine to check evap leaks

[autolinepro]

Thanks for the awesome video Keith! We hope you are loving our smoke machine! We really appreciate your support.

[macknumber]

I just bought this to try and pinpoint a tiny exhaust leak that I found with the shopvac+soapy water method and i was surised to see that the smoke was not visible out of these pinhole/hairline cracks...i guess this is better for detecting leaks that are not hairline/pinhole

[blackfriendlygiant]

Silly question but I have a smoke machine used for a party a few years back. I'm not a mechanic and I'm trying to find a leak in my exhaust. Would this be useful? Will using a water based smoke fkuid it damage the engine?

[gz]

I need to diagnose a leak with my catted headers around that exhaust manifold and where it meets the midpipe. Is that stuff safe for a catalytic converter?

[macknumber]

How do you repair a catalytic converter leak? Do you need to take to muffler shop and have heat shield cut off and then rewelded back together after the leak is repaired?

[xnitro]

have the same machine but smoke doesnt go through the exhaust system?