Check for Vacuum leak tools

[Rob]

I’m wondering what are the different ways to check for vacuum leaks and which is better?

I don’t know if I like the idea of checking the leaks with a hot running engine with a flammable fluid as a test spraying it all over the engine to check for leaks…. I have see some people make a EVAP smoke machine and was wondering what your thoughts of it and if anyone has had experience with it or knows of other good test to do to check for leaks…
I’m thinking about getting a fog machine and testing it with that for like $35 whats your thoughts???

Topic

[Greg]

I use a smoke machine. It is fast and easy to find the leak that way.

[Steve C]

I had a really bad vacuum leak in my Infiniti that I couldn’t track down. I used unlit propane, water, and everything else you can think of. I ended up using a vacuum gauge, isolating different areas of the system, and then finally built my own smoke machine, which helped me find it.

I basically did this for my smoke machine although you can use a cigar or cigarette. I used a small paint can, two terminals, thin wire that can hold an electrical charge, unscented baby oil, and hooked it to my car battery. The mineral oil heats up, smokes, and then I blew into the hose to push it in the system. You can use an air compressor as well, but I did it night, so I didn’t want to wake my family up, lol. I ended up having a leak between the brake booster and the firewall….

[Richard Kirshy]

Smoke machine
Propane
Soapy water

Each work well
Smoke machine will work on the entire system, but needs to be done either in doors or when there is no wind to disburse the smoke.
The last two work better for vacuum leaks one or around the engine

[Rob]

interesting how he made his with charcoal and cardboard

I desired to order one… going to use radiator hoses I thing they would be able to stand the heat better then clear hoses… ppl have had those melt
Chauvet H-700 Hurricane 700 Halloween Fog/Smoke Effect Machine + Fluid + Remote
off of eBay for $35 with shipping
now the fun part making all the attachments and tools for it

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[Author]

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