Exhaust Sniffer: Any Recommendations?
 

I might like to buy a reasonably priced exhaust sniffer....for detecting exhaust leaks. Anyone have any recommendations?

If this is a Diesel, can't you look for traces of soot? Maybe help it along by capping the tailpipe at idle and listening in the engine bay for chuffing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HktV2yGtLv8

Sixto
83 300SD

IF (and that's a big IF) you can find an old Sun machine, some had Wheatstone bridge-type CO detectors that might work for your purpose. There are also old Horiba stand-alone infra-red analyzers though I haven't seen one in years. You'll need to check the Horiba for function as there are a number of things that can go wrong including the chopper motor and other failures.

You might also find a Bear (same company as the wheel alignment folks) and other companies. All of these systems as well as the newer Suns were made by Sensors, Inc (I worked there for a while) and use approximately the same technology as the the Horibas so the same cautions apply.

I'd agree that it probably makes more sense (as in dollars and cents) to use a mechanical method like soapy water (on a cool engine) or other "look for the leak" type of system. If you want to sniff for it I'd find a facility that has a system and borrow/rent it for the few occasions you'll need it. There are a lot of resources required to maintain these.

Dan

I have an old Sun machine that can be used for this. Have had it since it was nearly new. Got it when I was a kid. Most have been traded in over the years for newer stuff. You could expand your search to include Marquette, Allen, Bear, Snap On, etc. The big problem with older Sun equipment is deteriorated wiring. The insulation just crumbles. For most exhaust leaks in diesels I use the wet rag plugging the tail pipe method. Any leaks show up real quick.

You will need to reduce this formula for bubble mix used by pre-schoolers. One cup of Dawn Dish Soap to 1 Gallon of Water.

Put it in a spray bottle and spray it on the cold Exhaust Pipe and start the Engine and look for bubbles indicating leaks. That will work unless the holes are large and also works to find leaks in intakemanifolds when the Turbo creates boost pressure.

Putting that rag in the Exhause Pipe would likey help bubble formation.

Just plug the exhaust with a rag. Exhaust leaks will squeej or chuff. Look for soot and grab a hold of things to see if they are loose.

Be careful with the operation though. This is what happens if you have a little too much Vodka before your troubleshooting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&v=nAVefy3M1oU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qFW8aRtr60&app=desktop

BAHAHAHAHAHA, I need more friends with diesels so I can try to get somebody with this now...

Right? I know a couple people I wouldn't mind doing this to...

"Hey John Doe, you mind holding this rag while I listen for exhaust leaks?"

POOOOF "Ooops sorry."