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Tech Area => General Auto Tech => Topic started by: channer on October 29 2013, 11:14:22 PM

Title: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: channer on October 29 2013, 11:14:22 PM: Hi all

Can I use and is it safe to use a water base fog machine to troubleshoot vacuum leaks?

There's a "halloween" fog machine on sale at Walmart.

dave
Title: Re: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: Steve Wood on October 29 2013, 11:23:08 PM: I would not....not sure any kind of smoke machine is what is needed to troubleshoot vacuum leaks...boost maybe but then, I don't see it there either...I guess I just need to get on a band wagon?
Title: Re: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: Pyro6 on October 30 2013, 06:55:07 AM: The ones we use for finding EVAP leaks for emission testing use baby oil . Great for finding all kinds of leaks: vacuum, oil, exhaust etc..
Title: Re: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: gnonyx on October 30 2013, 11:16:33 AM: Quote from: Pyro6 on October 30 2013, 06:55:07 AM
The ones we use for finding EVAP leaks for emission testing use baby oil . Great for finding all kinds of leaks: vacuum, oil, exhaust etc..

That's interesting of using baby oil; can you please explain the procedure of using the baby oil?
Title: Re: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: Pyro6 on October 30 2013, 05:43:44 PM: I bought mine thru Mac tools, other co's. sell them. A small reservoir holds the oil, hooks to car battery power for small heating element. Attach shop air to machine and adjust to INCHES of WATER as needed. Attach smoke output to evap test port for emissions, or PCV or brake booster for vacuum leaks. Block off anywhere smoke would come out, normally like throttle body inlet.
Title: Re: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: channer on October 30 2013, 06:42:39 PM: thanks all.

I guess I need to find the proper automotive DYI kit.

dave
Title: Re: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: Charlief1 on October 30 2013, 07:17:57 PM: Check out a smoke machine that you can get for concerts. One of the guys I know bought one for around $25 and has been using it without any problems. I believe most guitar shops would have them.
Title: Re: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: Pyro6 on October 30 2013, 08:34:57 PM: The thing with smoke machines is you have have to watch the pressure you're pushing. When it comes to emissions it depends on how much of a leak your chasing to set a check engine light. Otherwise most smoke mediums will work. Water is a def no-no. Just don't overpressure to damage the stuff your checking. I like Steve's method, great for sniffing out air leaks.
Title: Re: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: G-boz on November 04 2013, 09:08:27 PM: I work for a HVAC wholesaler, and we sell " smokeys". They are a small capsule that smokes so you can see leaks, air travel, current..ect.. They come in a box.
Title: Re: water based fog machine - can I use to troubleshoot vacuum leaks
Post by: SuperSix on November 05 2013, 08:17:08 AM: IIRC, Ed China from Wheeler Dealers used a smoke machine in a car to check replaced window seals. Pretty cool idea.