SmokeMachine Leak Master

No. CME A240 - The SmokeMachine

Winner of PTEN's 1999 'Tool Innovation Award' See The Smoke and You've Found The Leak!

1. Vacuum Leaks Vacuum system leaks are generally indicated by a rough idle, a lean misfire, or high hydrocarbon readings at idle. Before beginning the diagnosis procedure prepare the vacuum system to be tested. Seal the air intake of the engine as close to the origin as possible. This can be achieved using the supplied cap plugs, a latex glove or cellophane wrap with a rubber band. If none of these methods are possible simply stuff the venturies with cellophane, using a soft stick or pencil to pack it in place. Install the supplied exhaust cone in tail pipe. To test the vacuum or any other engine system the engine must be OFF. To begin the diagnosis, first locate an appropriate hose or tube leading to the intake manifold. The brake booster supply line after the check valve is a good choice, but any line leading to the manifold will work. Connect the battery leads, depress the remote push button and hold till smoke begins exiting the supply nozzle. When the smoke is seen exiting the supply nozzle, insert the nozzle into the selected line and fill the system with smoke. The vacuum leaks will reveal themselves in approximately 30 seconds. Helpful hints for locating leaks: A bright flashlight to highlight the smoke. Once smoke is seen leaking from the system let up on the push button and allow the pressure to drop. The smoke is easier to see at lower pressures. Pulse the button to pinpoint the leaks. 2. Exhaust Leaks Exhaust leaks can be very difficult to locate. These leaks are often hidden by metal shields or become silenced as the engine warms up. Cracks in mufflers and catalytic converters are simple to find with the Leak MasterTM. To test an exhaust system insert the exhaust cone into the tail pipe, insert the supply nozzle into the exhaust cone and fill the exhaust system with smoke. This test is more accurate when testing a cold system. Due to thermal expansion small leaks might go undetected if the system is checked hot. A hot catalytic converter will also consume some of the smoke, making leaks in front of the converter more difficult to locate.

3. EGR Valve Leaks The engine gas re-circulating valve is at the heart of the emission control system. Since the EGR valve operates in such a hostile environment it is always susceptible to leakage. During a normal test for vacuum leaks the EGR valve will be exposed to smoke and may show leaks at the seat, the diaphragm, or even the base gasket. If smoke is seen exiting the valve, disconnect the vacuum supply line from the valve and pump smoke directly into the valve. This test will verify whether the diaphragm is leaking, or the valve is leaking at the seat. (A zero reading on the flowmeter will indicate no flow through the diaphragm). Smoke can also be used to check the EGR ports for restriction. Simply open or remove the valve and pump smoke in through the tail pipe to verify that these ports are open.

4. Leaks at Oil Seals and Gaskets Many oil leaks can be located with the Leak MasterTM. It is important to understand that it will only find leaks that will allow air to flow through them. Example: A cam seal may allow air to pass through whereas a drain plug or pressure sensor will not. To locate oil leaks it is necessary to pressurize the crankcase with smoke. To pressurize the crankcase, remove the dipstick and slip a hose over the dipstick tube, and insert the smoke supply nozzle to hose and fill the system with smoke. Plug the PCV vent line and remove the oil filler cap. Start introducing smoke into the crankcase until smoke is exiting out of the oil filler port at full density. Install the oil filler cap and continue filling the system. Once the system is full inspect for leaks using a bright spot lamp.

5. Idle Motors and Solenoid Leaks A small leak in idle motors and solenoid components can make an engine idle rough and even stall. This condition is not only very irritating but a stalled engine can be dangerous in traffic. Leaks in these components are usually found during a normal vacuum leak test. It is not unusual to find base gaskets and o-rings leaking in and around motors and solenoids.

6. Vacuum assist Brake Booster Leaks A leaking vacuum brake booster not only effects engine performance like other types of vacuum leaks, but more importantly it can seriously effect the stopping power of the vehicle. The brake booster is a simple component to check for leaks. First disconnect the vacuum supply line to the booster, then insert the smoke supply nozzle into the brake booster and begin introducing smoke. From under the hood look for smoke exiting around the crimped area of the booster canister. Now check inside the vehicle under the dash, by depressing the brake pedal while inspecting with a bright lamp. This vacuum booster is a sealed unit and should allow no flow through it at any time.

7. Component Leak Testing When installing new or rebuilt parts nothing is more frustrating than to discover on completion of the job that the component is faulty, or has a leak. It is far easier to inspect a radiator or water pump before it is installed than to find out after the job is completed and the antifreeze is in that there is a leak. Component testing has endless possibilities; anything from hoses to diaphragms can be tested. Supplied with every Leak MasterTM is an exhaust cone adapter that can be used to access any opening from 1" to 3 ½". Simply introduce smoke into the system being tested, seal any inter-connecting ports or passages and look for smoke to exit a leak.

8. Under Dashboard Leaks Under dashboard Leaks can be very difficult to locate. The Leak MasterTM can confirm or eliminate the possibility of an under dash leak in minutes, and locate it in a few more minutes. Most vehicles have a common vacuum supply line that originates at the engine intake. This vacuum source comes through the firewall to supply the climate control functions as well as vacuum operated features such as central lock systems. Vacuum systems under the dashboard are intended to be closed systems. Any flow through these systems would indicate that there is a leak present. To locate under dashboard leaks install the smoke supply nozzle into the main vacuum line leading to the dashboard. Introduce smoke into the system and watch the flowmeter indicator ball. If the ball drops to zero the system is leak free. Now with the smoke still pumping into the system, change the selector lever or button from heat to defrost to vent and while doing this watching the flowmeter for any change of flow. If the flowmeter indicates flow in any of these positions you will know what portion of the system has a leak. Take a bright spot lamp under the dashboard and inspect the lines for smoke flow to pinpoint the leak.

9. Vacuum Control Central Locking System Many European vehicles employ vacuum systems to lock and unlock the doors, the trunk, and the fuel door. These systems can not tolerate even the smallest leaks. To locate a leak in these systems there are several places that smoke can be introduced. The easiest and most effective point of entry with smoke will probably be at the trunk lock vacuum solenoid. The trunk lock solenoid has two vacuum lines connected to it. One line controls the open position and the other controls the closed position. Introduce the smoke into either the open or closed position, and this will check all four doors and the fuel door. To check the trunk lock, plug the supply nozzle into the vacuum solenoid and look for leaks. Note: This test may take a few minutes to fill the entire system because the lines are small diameter and wrap completely around the vehicle. In the case of a leak, smoke will be seen exiting the door panels, indicating which door solenoid or line is leaking. It is also normal to see smoke exiting the pressure discharge port on the Leak MasterTM while conducting this test.

10. Intercooler and Turbocharger Leaks Engine compartments with turbochargers tend to run hotter than normally carbureted engines causing hoses and seals to dry out and leak. For turbocharged systems to operate efficiently there can be no leaks in the intercooler, ducting, exhaust or the turbo itself. Intercoolers and turbochargers are tested with the engine off, as with all tests performed with the Leak MasterTM. To test these systems for leaks, connect the smoke supply line to the intake system and introduce smoke into the "cold" side of the turbocharger. With the intake under smoke pressure, the intercooler, the ducting, the waste gate, and the cold side of the turbo can be inspected for leaks. To inspect the "hot" side or exhaust side of the turbo, introduce the smoke into the exhaust pipe using the exhaust cone and inspect the exhaust, the exhaust manifold, and the hot side of the turbocharger.

11. Wind and Water Leaks One of the toughest leaks to find on an automobile is wind or water leaks around the doors, windows, and sunroofs. It isn't' practical to search for these leaks while driving at 65 M.P.H. although that is when they are most noticeable. Pinpointing where the water is entering the vehicle can identify water leaks, but this does not always locate the origin of the leak. With the Leak MasterTM these leaks can be located with pinpoint accuracy without ever leaving the driveway. First park the vehicle in an area that is shielded from the wind (preferably inside a closed shop). With all of the vehicle windows rolled up and turn the fan blower motor on to "fresh air" (not re-circulate), and close all doors. With the cabin of the vehicle is now under a slight pressure, attach the patented smoke diffuser supplied with every Leak MasterTM to the smoke supply line and operate the unit till thick smoke begins to flow from the diffuser. To test for leaks simply direct the smoke exiting the diffuser approximately 2 to 3 inches away areas to be tested. The smoke should linger along the path you are following. Simply watch for any disturbance in the smoke caused by air leaking from inside the vehicle. Once you find a leak mark its location with chalk or a removable marker. Now open the doors and inspect for the usual cause of such leaks.