Smoke Machine for Finding Air Leaks

[Jordan]

Did a search but found nothing. 

Has anyone used a smoke machine for diagnosing and finding air leaks? I have a ticking that you can barely hear which changes frequency based on how fast the engine is turning.  Dan figures it is a leak in the exhaust manifold somewhere based on what he hears and its changing frequency.  I would like to identify exactly where the leak is occurring (exhaust manifold gasket maybe) before I start pulling things apart.  Has anyone used these smoke machines to locate air leaks?  There is a perfect spot on the back of the exhaust manifold in which to plug it in but don't know how useful these machines are at locating leaks. Thanks.

[stickandrudderman]

They are a fantastic diagnostic tool and I use mine a lot.
You won’t want to plug it into the location you describe, rather plug it into the exit of the exhaust. This way you check the entire system for integrity. However, it’s also quite simple to get an assistant to place a gloved hand over the exhaust exit with the engine running and you’ll soon hear any leaks.
The smoke machine works brilliantly on intake systems and vacuum systems too.

[mrfatboy]

I built a smoke machine to find a inake leak.  It worked really well. Less than $20 in parts at Home Depot 👍

[Jordan]

They are a fantastic diagnostic tool and I use mine a lot.
You won’t want to plug it into the location you describe, rather plug it into the exit of the exhaust. This way you check the entire system for integrity. However, it’s also quite simple to get an assistant to place a gloved hand over the exhaust exit with the engine running and you’ll soon hear any leaks.
The smoke machine works brilliantly on intake systems and vacuum systems too.

Stick, I am not sure where you mean when you say the exit of the exhaust?

[Benz Dr.]

I built a smoke machine to find a inake leak.  It worked really well. Less than $20 in parts at Home Depot 👍

Don't hold us in suspense. How did you do it?

[Kevkeller]

Stick, I am not sure where you mean when you say the exit of the exhaust?

I think he means the tail pipe. 

[mrfatboy]

@BenzDr
I was just waiting for somebody to care enough to ask 

Parts Needed (Hardware store, Home Depot, Harbor Freight)

1 - 1 gallon paint can
1 - 1/4 hose adapter
1 - 10 ft tubing (or what ever)
1 - Male air compressor fitting
4 - Grommets
1 - pack of incense (Dollar Store)
1 - Aluminum foil
1 - Makeshift stand (wood, metal, whatever is lying around)
1 - Baby oil

Battery powered upgrade extra parts needed.

1 - pack of Kanthal wire
1 - Tiki torch wick
2 - Bolts
4 - Nuts
2 - Grommets
2 - Battery connectors
2 - Connecting wires


So far I only built the "incense" version.  It did the job so I never got around to building the "battery" version. 

Warning! The "incense" version has an ignition source in the can. Be very careful !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I used 10 feet of tubing so the paint can was outside the garage.



Build Directions.

- Drill holes in can and can lid
- Screw in air compressor and hose fittings using grommets to seal
- Connect air compressor to lower fitting
- Connect tubing to lid fitting
- Connect other end of tubing to fitting of your choice on engine.  For my purpose I removed brake booster hose from intake manifold and attached there.
- Used ~10 pieces of incense (6" length). Wrap in foil around weight to make stand. Use whatever you might have around.

Use Directions

- With your incense stand out of the can, light the bundle, put some drops of baby oil of the incense to add even more smoke.

- Place incense stand in can
- Seal/close lid
- Turn on air compressor about 3-5 PSI (you will have to adjust to find your happy spot.
- Wait for smoke to come out of tubing
- Connect to car
- Look for leaks


The last picture is using the same paint can with some modification.  The idea is that the power source (car battery) heats up the Kanthal wire around the tiki wick that is soaked in baby oil.  You will need to adjust the number of coils to get it correct. Try 9 - 12 coils first.  Less coils will make the wire hotter and burn up your wick. Too many coils will not get hot enough to make smoke.

[kampala]

Mrfatboy - nicely done.   


I used a Cigar.  Blowing into Booster pipe.   Gave me an excuse to smoke one.   

Surprisingly actually worked - found a slight leak at the WRD that I could not feel nor hear.   I bet Mrfatboy's gadget might have found more leaks - nice set-up. 

Saw the cigar trick on youtube - where else.

[Pawel66]

I am very interested in this!

1. Where is the best place in Pagoda to blow the cigar smoke into? Booster pipe - towards the intake manifold?

2. What do you drink while doing that - any particular recommendation to amplify the effects?

3. Do you engage friends to help?

4. Does it work better in the presence of ladies?

But seriously - I am really after the answer to question 1.

[mrfatboy]

I just slipped off the brake booster hose on the intake manifold and connected there.  Very easy.

There is also a bolt right next to the brake booster hose fitting on the intake manifold that I guess you could remove and connect your own fitting.


If you like the smell of cigars over incense I guess just place the cigar in the can.  Maybe add a little brandy for flavor😜😜😜

[Pawel66]

Thank you, will experiment!