How to Find Faults that the ECU Can't | ThinkCar PLD-212 Smoke Machine Leak Detector

The ThinkCar PLD-212 smoke machine leak detector is an essential piece of equipment for any modern diagnostic technician. In this video we take a quick look at the ThinkCar smoke machine, and see how it performs on an intake leak we put on this VW 2.0 TDI.

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[JWYATT]

Is this OK for VAG PCV system ? The launch tool says on you need to buy V2 ( the double price tag one ) I'd rather your thinkcar one if so

[adrian.cardiagnostics]

Hi. To see the smoke easier use an laser pointer, is much faster than the flashlight

[aranhaydar]

I've made my own, and it was relatively easy to make 🙂

[smorrow]

Can you over pressurize the system with this and blow seals?

[crackertracker]

I have been using plastic jar containers. I save jars of different sizes and install them in the intake hose use the hose clamp and presto the hose is plugged and I have repurposed a container that would be thrown away otherwise. Also, it's easy to modify them for special needs, all that's needed is a drill/bit and a glue gun.

[uptownimports-foreignautor]

I noticed that the pressure can do turbo leaks at 14 psi and evap leaks at 1 psi how is this done? I was trying to get a PDF of the manual for the smoke machine but cannot seem to find one.

[arthurfricchione]

Darren does it have an internal compressor or do you have to supply it and how much PSI or does it have an internal regulator. Thanks for sharing Artie 👍

[beluxauto]

I think that most diagnosticians have a smoke machine. I read some comments below, and no offense, but I have never thought of building one myself. If I am not mistaken than I bought my first pro smoke machine for 200€ back in 2001. They are a bit more now but we use them weekly and that justifies the purchase instead of self made.

[careyautorepairs]

WOW! Thank you very much for the information on the 10 mil I didn’t know that.

[sollykhan]

Thanks for another AWESOME video, Darren, an amazing must have tool, will be looking to purchase one very soon, CHEERS and do please continue with your great work, 😎

[careyautorepairs]

I love my smoke detector saved me many times. It’s amazing how many mechanics don’t have one when they need one.

[husaberg]

Muito bom seu vídeo! Amigo reparador poderia me informar quantos bar de pressão essa maquina produz ?

[TheApplestick]

1:08 looks like you overfilled before the video cut

[djmobileauto]

Yo D, I see you bro. do your thing. Loving the content. Was now thinking about stepping up my videos doing tool reviews.

[mymoonny]

Evaporative leak is also a common use for them

[dieseltechjoe]

Picked up the Thinkcar smoke machine a few weeks ago. Have not used it yet but no stranger to smoke machines with 7 years auto tech experience. The Thinkcar does seem nice from playing around with it, awesome for taking home and not having to lug around a compressor. Guys the flow meter is a must have. I wouldnt waste my money on any smoke machine without it. You could run into intermittent issues and be looking for smoke for hours. The flow meter will tell you the leak is or is not present.

[stephanevaucelles]

hello thank you for the presentation of the machine and the video

[KingLoopie]

Just a hobbiest here, but a smoke machine is already on my wishlist... Thanks for showing it, Darren! 👍

[sheerwillsurvival]

I guess it’s not available in us yet 😕

[gogoskull]

What is the best pocket Oscilloscopes for beginners