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Smoke testing materials for finding air/water leaks...

Started by John Hubertz, 29 March 2006, 11:33 AM

John Hubertz

http://www.plumbertools.com/smoke/smoke.html

http://www.evhill.com/products/White_Smoke.htm

Here are a couple of examples of products suitable for testing cars.... the first is the system my bodyshop uses as it pressurizes the interior of the car and thus is a bit more likely to generate noticeable leakage.  I'm sure a pretty simple hairdryer system could be devised with the inexpensive candles to do the same thing.
John Hubertz
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
(Hunter S. Thompson) 

1977 450SEL (Max Headroom)
[img width=68 height=73][url="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg"]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg[/url][/img]

michaeld

I have heard of smoke being useful for testing vacuum systems, but did not know that it was being used for fluid systems as well.

I recently purchased an alternative system, which is based on flourescent dye that is detected by ultra violet.  I bought a Tracerline LeakFinder Kit for $33 on sale.  It features dyes for oils (engine, Trans, power steering), coolant, and A/C, a UV light, and UV-sensitive goggles [that looks like it'll be a big hit with the ladies as a bonus!!! ;)].  Basically, it pinpoints leaks in every fluid system except brakes.

The next time something leaks out of somewhere, I'm ready!!!

John Hubertz

These smoke tests are used by bodyshops to detect hidden holes that allow water intrusion such as seals or rust-through in the firewall etc.... 

John Hubertz
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
(Hunter S. Thompson) 

1977 450SEL (Max Headroom)
[img width=68 height=73][url="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg"]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg[/url][/img]

OzBenzHead

John: Many thanks for those links.  I'll see if someting similar is available in Oz.
[img width=340 height=138][url="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/OzBenzHead/10%20M-B%20Miscellany/OBH_LOGO-2a-1.png"]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/OzBenzHead/10%20M-B%20Miscellany/OBH_LOGO-2a-1.png[/url][/img]

Papalangi

In one of my hardbound MB repair manuals, the factory method for finding leaks is to reverse the heater fan leads, tape up all of the vents at the rear and put a vacuum on the car using the heater fan.  You then look for where it is sucking water in.

Wouldn't it be easier to leave the fan rotation alone and spray the car down with soapy water and look for bubbles?

Michael
1976 450SEL
1971 250C
'83 300SD, I'm back!  It's the son's new car (12/2020)
1976 450SEL, 116.033  Sold it to buy a '97 Crown Vic.  Made sense at the time.
1971 250C, 114.023
1976 280C
1970 250/8