BEST automotive smoke machine you can build

An automotive smoke machine is one of the most useful diagnostic tools you can have but they are expensive. I built a cheap one using a recycled glass jar (to show how much smoke is building up inside it) and a couple other basic items (see links below). This combination allowed me to have complete control over how much pressure I use and when I apply the smoke.

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[adamjmeyers]

Brilliant idea! Modifying your plans slightly, I built mine in in an hour and found a vacuum leak in 90 seconds. The bike pump allowed for controlled smoke distribution. This really is the BEST automotive smoke machine you can build! Thank you!

[dondelacuesta]

So far this video is the most practical and economical machine on youtube. Smart thing to do.

[jacobmarley]

As someone who considers myself a resourceful person in all aspects of life, I greatly appreciate this build!

[duca]

Built this machine recently, i didn't expect much but oh my, i am IMPRESSED at how well it worked, i've found turbo vacuum leak in 5min!

[kennynvakehve]

My modification to your jar would be to use a valve stem from an old wheel...or a new stem that can be pushed into the lid and it would seal on its own, instead of using silicone.

[vza]

This is the first time I've been excited about my EVAP codes. Thank you ECG and the hands that did the work. Subscribed based on this alone.

[faw]

Superb. I made it even simpler, using the screws in the soldering iron handle to screw it to the jar top, and then attached an inflation needle to the bicycle pump hose and stuck it through a small hole in the top. The wick is just a small cotton strip tied to the heating end of the soldering iron and dipped in mineral oil, very serviceable for single use. The smoke generator quickly found a big vacuum leak the first time I used it. Thanks again.

[Kensclassics]

This is the best DIY. smoke machine I have seen on YouTube, I hade thought of doing something with a soldering iron and this method is what I was looking for, very well done and thank you.

[watcherwatchmen]

Finally found a good use for my cheap soldering iron. If you find one of those foot operated bicycle pumps that would work even better because you could step on it with your foot and pump while you lean over with both hands and look for leaks.

[bingbingy]

OK, so I made one of these and it worked. Smoke came through the wiring on the soldering iron and I didn't realize my jar lid wasn't completely sealed, but it did well enough that I didn't have to tear my engine down again. THANK YOU!!!!

[stevedambrosia]

My vapor canister vent is buried behind and below fire wall (under battery tray). without your smoke machine I would never have been able to detect this leak!!! Thanx a ton "Code Guy."

[thegatekeeper]

I have seen this type of smoke machine previously but never with such a good explanation of how to build and use it. Thank you !!!

[NFSSAM]

Thank you so much for posting this, the soldering iron is genius!

[nathanmayo]

As dentist of 52 years I have been practicing " rigology" all that time to solve problems You're a a cheap one. Thanks,

[duckula]

Awesome kit. I built this today and it showed 2 vacuum leaks that were causing a cel.
Thankyou very much you are a legend.

[georgecurtis]

Bought a machine in the 90s. Man did that thing pay for itself quickly. Buy one or make one but get one if you do any mechanical and other things requiring finding leaks. Even used mine to find leaks in a a/c system several times.

[mcfriedchicken]

I just made one! Instead of using a bic pen I bought Vacuum connectors from Amazon for about $10 (assorted vacuum connectors, 65 pieces). I then drilled and glued two 1/4 vacuum connectors onto the jar lid. Theyre a perfect fit for my vinyl tubing and bike pump. I can also connect the other half of vinyl tubing to the connector instead of the bike pump and blow into it :)

[buzzardbait]

Great idea can build with things have laying around was going to buy one but you changed my mind thank you. The only change I'm going to do is use a aquarium pump for input air so that I can be hands free.

[huazhu]

i often got smoking when cooking but before this video i got no idea. this is the best car equipment, thumb!

[dillwiggle]

I made one. On the very top of the soldering iron the smoke was coming out where the electrical wires were so I put some atv sealant there. Once you actually set up the pump and start to move things around the epoxy didn't hold up, maybe because the jar top is flimsy metal and I made my pen pieces slightly longer than this video. Other than that it does produce the smoke as desired. I had to convert to a smaller hose to test the evap system so you might need another size hose that fits tight inside the bigger hose. Also the soldering iron tip actually has to be touching the sock to produce the smoke.