Hey Lads,

I have been working on cars for a long time as a shade-tree mechanic and I have done every kind of repair.
Over my ownership of Porsche's, BMW's, Jags, I have hunted down dozens of air and vacuum leaks that make big improvements in the running of the vehicle.
In the last couple of weeks, I purchased something that I had always wanted but for whatever reason, had never really seemed beneficial for me to own and that is a smoker.

I broke down and spent 89.00 on one and received it last week.
First, I used it on a vacuum location on my 4.2 and discovered a split vacuum line on the throttle body. Repaired that and now my engine at idle has nearly zero trims. I was also pulling high LTFT's on throttle so I assumed a intake leak as well. I plumbed the hose into the breather opening on the left cam cover and cam cover gaskets (recently replaced) are both leaking towards the front. There is also a leak somewhere up in the throttle body area as well but I will get the cam cover leak sorted first.

These issues took less time to find with the smoker than it took to set up the equipment. All of you that are new owners, having running issues or throwing OBDII codes for lean or rich conditions can save a lot of money and a lot more time by spending 89.00 and buying one of these machines. They are dead simple to set up and even more simple to use. A purchase that I kick myself now for not having done before. You don't need some sort of pro-level machine and 500+ dollars, just a simple setup. Mine is a ammo-box turned into a smoker and it works perfectly. Don't kid yourself that you can hear these leaks or even use aerosol cleaners to hear the idle change. I have done it this way for as long as I can remember and although I have found some gross leaks that way, I was not successful finding these leaks using old methods.

B

Pic is simply for reference and not an endorsement of any particular brand.

 

Razorboy,

Well said! With modern engines running self correcting tech, any air/vacuum leaks will lead to bad/rough/inefficient running. Finding these leaks will save you in the long run.

Personally I like a Monte Cristo Churchill cigar, and I spend intimate time with my XK8 blowing smoke up her orifices! Make time for this and the car will reward you!

 

Easy enough to make one, search for paint can smoker. This is mine,all from stuff I had around the house. You do need a air compressor or you can use a hand pump, but what fun is that