Idea's and links for a DIY smoke test kit

[danewilson77]

Let me know whatever you guys can think of. Links are acceptable as well.

Go....

[billschusteriv]

Assuming some people don't smoke DW. If you did, a pack of Red Apples would work just fine.

I remember using a nifty little contraption looking for leaks on the main condenser. Tiny little bottle that generated smoke when air was sucked through it. Just moved it by all the packing glands until we found leaks. I can't find it.... yet. IIRC, it works on similar principles to an e-cigarette sans batteries.

Speaking of, an e-cig would be another option.

Carb Cleaner? Check out page 2 of what Popular Mechanics has to say:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...-vacuum-leak-2


Not sure I could think of smoke generated by household items that would be entirely safe for us or our cars to breathe.

[Hornung418]

there was something about ping pong balls a water bottle and a hose to direct the smoke...burning the ping pong balls and squeezing the bottle.

[Oli77]

Dry ice in a water bottle with a little spout?

[danewilson77]

So....the dry ice fumes....would in fact stay visible through the intake stream? Maybe we first need to define "what a some test is, does, and tests.

This is a brainstorming thread.

I wanna see some juices flowing.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[static667]

What are we trying to smoke test?


...a pack of Red Apples would work just fine.

Thank you for the Tarantino reference, Bill. :rofl

[Johnmadd]

Does not compute.? A Newport???

[llll1l1ll]

Perhaps Marlboro Reds? That might be Red Apples. I'm too lazy to Google it.

Anyway, I think dry ice and water would work best - at least to see where the air is getting sucked in the engine. So, it might tell you where a vacuum leak is; however, you will not be able to trace it through the rest of the intake.

[echo46]

I'm in for suggestions, I'm looking for any small vacuum leaks that are eluding me.

[kayger12]

Good video of a pro-smoke system for people not familiar with the process.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfiQ7qWiG-M

And here's a cigar smoke DIY--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMok2y05jNE&feature=related

[billschusteriv]

I should've known Grainger was involved. This is what we used in the Navy. A little pricey for some at 120 bones.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/MSA-Smoke-Tube-Kit-4LP18?Pid=search

Here's another one on the Grainger site. Not much better; still pricey at 92 bones.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ALLEGRO-Respirator-Irritant-Smoke-Fit-Test-8ZAA8?Pid=search


Each kit above comes with a few refills. Extra refills cost some change.

These kits are no joke either. Be careful using. Here's how they work:


STANNIC CHLORIDE REACTS WITH WATER VAPOR (INCLUDING MOISTURE IN AIR)
YIELDING TIN OXIDES AND CORROSIVE HYDROCHLORIC ACID FUMES. THIS MIXTURE
IS IRRITATING TO THE EYES AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES. AVOID CONTACT WITH SMOKE
PUFFS PUMPED FROM THE TUBE.



I personally like the cigar method.

"Sorry dear... I've gotta go out to the garage and check for vacuum leaks on the car."

"Why are you taking your humidor with you?"

[johnrando]

Someone on e46f.c is selling homemade smoke machines for $100.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=881401

[danewilson77]

Ahhh...I bet we can make one of these:biggrin

HTC Thunderbolt+TT