I used homemade and then cheap smoke generators. Then I bought a Stinger Pro. only a few $ more than cheap machines, and much more reliable and easier to use. Well worth a few extra $ for the reliable tool.

 

I bought the cheaper Stinger model when the company offered it (they don't anymore I believe). Still one of the best tool purchases I've made.

Here's one of my smoke tests:

What diameter PVC cap should I buy to make a homemade plug for the upper intake boot? In the above test, I use a long funnel that I tape into place, but as you can see, it's not a perfect seal. Would be great to have a PVC cap or similar with a tapped fitting in the center; that way I can just use the boot's hose clamp and get a better seal.

I could just remove the MAF sensor and take it down to Home Depot to match it up, but if anyone has that info handy, it would save some hassle. Thanks!

 

https://blog.bavauto.com/21598/bmw-fault-code-p0171-and-p0174-lean-bank-1-lean-bank-2/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bav-aut...b-bav-auto-tools-parts/automotive-diagnostic-smoke-machine-smoker/b8800109~bav/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfAkpEExnQc

i was thinking about this bavauto unit a few months ago. also some folks are recommending a theatrical fog machine.

 

https://blog.bavauto.com/21598/bmw-fault-code-p0171-and-p0174-lean-bank-1-lean-bank-2/
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bav-aut...b-bav-auto-tools-parts/automotive-diagnostic-smoke-machine-smoker/b8800109~bav/

i was thinking about this bavauto unit a few months ago. also some folks are recommending a theatrical fog machine.

Way too expensive. Just get the Stinger unit for less than half the price.

I suppose that a 3" cap could be bought and glued onto the short piece of 3" diameter pipe and then drilled and tapped/threaded to install the appropriate barbed fitting for a hose to connect to a smoke machine. Just a thought.

Yeah that was the idea. Thanks for the input; 3" is a good place to start.

 

Here is a recent post from a forum member that has been selling smoke machines, first listing under his signature:
https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpost.php?p=18615591&postcount=144

 

When all else fails, there is always Scotty's method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMok2y05jNE

 

I'm all for cheap-and-dirty DIYs (the cigar method, etc), but E46s being what they are, there's practically NO chance you'll only have to do just one smoke test. Might as well pay a little more for a robust, reusable tool.

 

I'll disagree, but only because going the 'cheap' way - specifically referring to the first YouTube vid posted in the thread (that's how I did mine) - The actual pump is not disposable. The only disposable parts are the latex glove, the tape to seal the glove to the intake boot, and the cigar...

Latex gloves? Well, get a small box for $5 and you're good for a lifetime of smoke tests - and they come in handy for oil changes, etc. when you don't want to get your hands filthy... Tape? again, a single roll for a dollar or 2 and you're set forever. And you can get cheap cigars for around $1 each.

So for a total 'investment' of around $13 - $15 I have everything needed to do literally dozens of smoke tests (with the caveat that I will spend an additional $1 - $1.50 for a new cigar each time)...

If you're looking at $50-ish smoke machines, then it's going to be years and years before I've spent enough to even approach that expense. And, just for the record, the cigar / pump / glove method works ABSOLUTELY !00% as well as a dedicated machine... so you are not giving up the 'quality' of the test by going the DIY route in this case.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MDNTD7A/

For only $30, that's pretty good!
I wonder if the fog condenses to moisture and may cause issues? It says the "fog juice" is water based.

 

that is a good question. scotty likes that the water base is non-toxic, but i am not sure i want to be pumping steam into my engine.

 

+1 on the Stinger smoke machine.

I'd seen Spanner post about it a while back so when I suspected some vacuum leaks earlier this year I bought one and used it with great success. The thing consistently pumps out very thick white smoke and is easy to use, it really works well.

Only downside is that burnt mineral oil smells pretty bad... I'm sure the cigar would smell a little better.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP2ffBSD2A0

not BMW but some of his DIY videos are pretty good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTzDY95aqXg

if you are bored with smoke, you can step up to propane or starter fluid to find vacuum leaks. just don't singe your eyebrows at 6:41 (!)

 

Good post Bali!

There is a big difference with the machine we use, in that not only does it generate smoke in 3 modes; High, Low & pulse. It also has a digital meter built into it that gives me a value of what the actual leak number is.

We hook up the machine and turn it on. If in about 90 seconds the value is about
~25 or less, my fuel trim values are NOT likely the result of a vacuum leak.
Albeit my machine is $,$$$.

 

I think I am about ready to add one of these tools for my garage. Let's talk about the different models available today, costs and benefits.

I see models on fleaBay and Amazon ranging from $800 for an OTC to $400 for an Autool to paint can types under $100. Keep in mind I am looking for a decent unit to use on my BMW's in my garage so the OTC or Autool level EVAP smoke testers exceed my needs (and budget).

Any suggestions or recommendations?

 

Stinger smoke machine $150
http://www.evaporativesmokemachines.com/

Saw Spannerhead touting it around various threads, bought one myself, love it.

 

OK, let's make a list of suggested smoke machines by member experience with recommendations:

Stinger Pro 2 $145. Complete kit less mineral oil
http://www.evaporativesmokemachines.com/

 

I love my Stinger smoke machine BUT it's probably worth pointing out that you do need an air compressor to make it work. A cheap pancake compressor from HF is $60, so you'd be around $200 all in (minimum).

 

The Autool 202 at a sale is about $169 and has a built in compressor but looks like it is unregulated and can hit 10 psi. Isn't that to much pressure for our intake system hoses?

 

Question, If the smoke machine is placed at the upper intake boot with MAF removed, is our system sealed to the point where it is completely sealed? The only way the Autel can build 10 PSI is if it is a completely sealed system.

 

Well....that's the whole reason for the smoke test---to determine whether or not it IS completely sealed. If there are no vacuum leaks, then yes; it's sealed.

Let's say you have a pinhole leak somewhere; the pressure is going to build up faster than the leak can relieve it, so I still wouldn't trust anything whose smoke pressure coming out of the hose couldn't be dialed back from 10 psi.

 

Finally got around to making an adapter for the intake boot:

Pieces from Lowe's. I think it was like $9 for the PVC parts and I had the brass fitting already:

My 330's intake boot internal diameter (ID) is almost exactly 3.5", so I took a tape measure and searched through the boxes until I found the right combo of pieces to make it work. Supposedly (don't quote me on this) 325s have a 3" ID MAF/intake boot, so my adapter wouldn't work on one. Measure before you go.

1/2" hole drilled and Teflon tape to seal the threads:

More Teflon tape and also epoxy to get everything together:

In the car with the smoke tester hose attached. I haven't yet tested it, but it's quite snug in the intake boot with the screw clamp tightened:

 

It's roughly the OD of 3" pipe, so ~3.25" IIRC.

I made mine for my 325i by starting with a 3" PVC clean out cap and turning the threads off on the lathe at work. I'm pretty sure that 3.25" was my number, but that was over a year ago. I'd have to measure it when I get home to be 100%.

 

...thoughts on buying this?

You can make a Smoke Machine for $15 using a big Peanut Butter jar, a Harbor Freight Soldering Iron, Hand Pump, and a bit of JB Weld.

 

You can make a Smoke Machine for $15 using a big Peanut Butter jar, a Harbor Freight Soldering Iron, Hand Pump, and a bit of JB Weld.

I used this video as my guide but engineered it to my liking. I used two sections of a steel golf shaft for the hose connections and permanently attached the Soldering Iron with JB Weld as well.