Quote:
Originally Posted by Graham
You guys are on the wrong track, I think. A Mityvac is great for troubleshooting leaks in say door lock or other vacuum operated systems.
A smoke machine is usually used for finding leaks in things like the intake manifold. You either have smoke on outside and watch where it is getting sucked in. Or you direct the smook into the manifold under slight pressure and watch where it comes out.
Usually done on gassers, but I suppose applicable to any car.
Bwhitmore - Pro smoke machines are pricey. There are many examples of home made ones on the net. I have tried the cheap sticks sold at hardware stores (for use in finding leaks around windows and doors) on car with limited success! This guy uses a cigar!
Some eBay examples here:
 Smoke Tester | eBay
By the way - Didn't you ask about this once before  |
Graham is right. A smoke pro is good for intake manifold leaks or evap leaks. A mightyvac will never tell you if your intake gaskets are compromised, nor will it tell you if you have a tiny .020" or .010" evap leak. If your testing a fuel tank, dont use shop air. You will take a saturated fuel vapor enviornment, and introduce a good friend of fire....oxygen. Then all it takes is a static electrical spark, then its night night for you. BOOM. Use nitrogen.....