I think I have a leak in my Land Cruiser intake. Smoke machines are ~$1000. I could take it to a shop to chase it down, but don't want to go back and forth if there's more than one. I've seen videos on making one. Paint can, sock, baby oil, soldering iron, bicycle pump. Anyone make one of these?

Or have one in Houston I can borrow?

Seems like an old trick was to spray WD-40 around the area of the suspected leak, while the engine is running. Change in RPM meant you found the leak.

I guess you could do it with ether, too, but it might be more exciting.

You can buy a decent one for $100ish on Amazon. I decided to go that route.

AutoLine Pro Automotive Smoke Machine Leak Detector EVAP Vacuum Diagnostic Tester | Shop Series | Made in The USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JVT1NG2/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_DKMRSQWVT3ERJQGPJW7A

Could you use an incense stick?

I have one in The Woodlands you can borrow. Incense sticks, a 1gal paint can and a propane tank regulator all hooked up. Found a turbo inlet pipe leak on my Volvo and smelled amazing while I did it.

I see these rodent guys on youtube using one all the time to find leaks in home plumbing and I really want one.

I don't even have a leak.

A hot insect fogger filled with mineral oil produces a lot more smoke than you probably want but you can semi-regulate it.

Dill-Ag13 said:

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I have one in The Woodlands you can borrow. Incense sticks, a 1gal paint can and a propane tank regulator all hooked up. Found a turbo inlet pipe leak on my Volvo and smelled amazing while I did it.

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Thanks for the offer. I didn't think about burning incense. That's easier than a soldering iron and mineral oil. I just rigged it up. Going to test it out later.

camel lights would work too

Dr. Venkman said:

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Dill-Ag13 said:

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I have one in The Woodlands you can borrow. Incense sticks, a 1gal paint can and a propane tank regulator all hooked up. Found a turbo inlet pipe leak on my Volvo and smelled amazing while I did it.

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Thanks for the offer. I didn't think about burning incense. That's easier than a soldering iron and mineral oil. I just rigged it up. Going to test it out later.

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I wouldn't get caught by the police with that in your car.

CanyonAg77 said:

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Seems like an old trick was to spray WD-40 around the area of the suspected leak, while the engine is running. Change in RPM meant you found the leak.

I guess you could do it with ether, too, but it might be more exciting.

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This actually worked for me.

I had a crack at an elbow and the vacuum pulled in the cleaner.