Smoke test hook up

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Jan 18, 2025 | 10:27 PM

ehusmann

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Smoke test hook up

!993 F150 5.0:Going to try a DIY smoke test in hopes of finding a vacuum leak. Suggestions on where to hook up to the vacuum system?

Jan 18, 2025 | 10:33 PM

samuel4wolfpack

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I have one suggestion. There is a YouTube video that MinuteMasters posted around Nov-Dec 2024 that highlights ten different tools. One of them is a smoke leak detector that you just need to have power from the vehicle battery. It might be an idea

Jan 19, 2025 | 08:57 AM

manicmechanic007

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One place to hook up the smoke machine is the power brake booster vacuum hose

Jan 19, 2025 | 11:07 AM

1Butcher

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I have a smoke machine. The intake must be sealed. The best place is to start at the beginning and seal it up. The parts you use to seal it up [usually right after the air cleaner] should be designed with a place to hook up the smoke tester.

I would not go at the brake booster hose, because if you put smoke there, it will just leak out the air filter assembly.

Jan 19, 2025 | 12:29 PM

ehusmann

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Thanks for the responses. I going to rethink doing this on my own.

Jan 19, 2025 | 06:13 PM

HydroDog

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From: Salkum

Just hook your smoke out to any vacuum fitting in the intake manifold. Yes you will some smoke out through the air filter housing but that is fine.

The idea is to test all components that operate off vacuum so leave the line on to the brake booster also. If you don’t have a vacant spot to hook your smoke hose up, just pull off a hose to a singular device and test. Then reconnect that hose and attach the smoke hose to another area and retest.

If you are making your own smoke generator ( which is simple to do) make sure you are using an air pressure regulator on your supply air.

Jan 20, 2025 | 10:43 AM

1Butcher

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Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroDog

Yes you will some smoke out through the air filter housing but that is fine.

I diagnose for a living and with all the smoke that will be coming out from that area, it will be difficult to find any leaks.

But if looking for smoke in an engine compartment filled with smoke works for you, have at it.