Author Topic: DIY smoke testing for leaks  (Read 7086 times)

Offline pickles

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 769
  • Next!!!
DIY smoke testing for leaks
« on: 30 January 2013, 23:44 »
seen this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRiK2HEA3QQ

and thinking im gna give it a bash.

obv just a case of connecting it in somewhere.

where would be the best place to connect it to maximise its use, ie disconnect MAF and let it run down the tip (sealed of course), checking the boost piping etc to TB then opening the throttle body to check the inlet manifold/PCV system?
weirdos on here i tell you ;)
mk4 golf 1.8T, AGU, CAI, Forge007p DV,TIP,Decat, Bilsteins with Koni springs dropped 40mm
Mapped

Nearly S3 time  :)

Offline markallen

  • Here all the time
  • ****
  • Posts: 409
  • AUM 1.8 20v Turbo 150bhp for now ;)
Re: DIY smoke testing for leaks
« Reply #1 on: 31 January 2013, 00:47 »
I seriously need to do this to check where I have a leak!!! Wonder if an old fish tank air pump would work? Need to change my lamberts to hamlets as I don't think a cig would last long enough though. Also would the smoke pass through and out of the turbo if it was coming from there?
Golf Mk4 GTi Turbo, R32 front bumper, Lowered on ProSport Coilovers, Bora illuminated vents, Armrest, Heko wind deflectors, Aluminium vinyl trim.

Soon to be added, FMIC, 3" exhaust, Remap..oh and new turbo :(

Offline thai-wronghorse

  • Serious forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 7,325
  • mk1 Seat Leon FR TDI
Re: DIY smoke testing for leaks
« Reply #2 on: 31 January 2013, 08:59 »
Nice bit of DIY diagnostics.

Offline pickles

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 769
  • Next!!!
Re: DIY smoke testing for leaks (It Works lol)
« Reply #3 on: 31 January 2013, 20:38 »
gave this a go and wow, was amazed lol.
found this leaking out the inlet manifold.



took manifold off and cleaned the mating surfaces and put back together using instant gasket this time as well.
done smoke test again n looked tight :).
cars idling alot more smoother now and vacuum goes straight down to around -20 In/Hg where it was around -5/-10 before. job done me hopes :)

Had the 17953/P1545/005445 - Throttle Valve Controller: Malfunction code for  a bit but i assume thats because the throttle body was off, has since cleared.


Pics of Smoke Tester

Just an old metal coffee tin i found lying around, drilled 2 x 20mm holes and used CTS stuffing glands to secure the pipe that i had.




I just used the brake booster port to inject the smoke, sealed with tape :).


Used a 12v compressor connected to the pipe with a valve thing made air tight.
I just lit some oily rags i had lying around and through them into the tin, worked a treat.


weirdos on here i tell you ;)
mk4 golf 1.8T, AGU, CAI, Forge007p DV,TIP,Decat, Bilsteins with Koni springs dropped 40mm
Mapped

Nearly S3 time  :)

Offline Wazzzer

  • Moderator
  • 10k hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,172
  • Golf GTI 1.8T AGU
Re: DIY smoke testing for leaks
« Reply #4 on: 31 January 2013, 21:36 »
Nice bit of DIY mate. Did you have the oil cap off?


1999 1.8T: R-Tech remap - 225bhp/256lb/ft : K03s : THS FMIC : THS PCR pipe : 2.5" stainless exhaust : THS FR3 Engine mounts : G60/VR6 clutch : Calibra Yellow injectors : VR6 MAF : Devils Own WMI : Forge 007p : Carbonio CAI : Leon Cupra R Brembos : FK AK Street coilovers : Votex skirts : Anniversary front : click ---> http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=92175

Offline pickles

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 769
  • Next!!!
Re: DIY smoke testing for leaks
« Reply #5 on: 31 January 2013, 22:12 »
Nice bit of DIY mate. Did you have the oil cap off?

TBH m8 i didnt, just remembered now that you mentioned it tho, im sure it says to take it off when doing test. oops
weirdos on here i tell you ;)
mk4 golf 1.8T, AGU, CAI, Forge007p DV,TIP,Decat, Bilsteins with Koni springs dropped 40mm
Mapped

Nearly S3 time  :)

Offline pickles

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 769
  • Next!!!
Re: DIY smoke testing for leaks
« Reply #6 on: 31 January 2013, 22:16 »
iv now Patented this and will sell for £99.99 a unit  :laugh:,  bring on sir suger  :cool:
weirdos on here i tell you ;)
mk4 golf 1.8T, AGU, CAI, Forge007p DV,TIP,Decat, Bilsteins with Koni springs dropped 40mm
Mapped

Nearly S3 time  :)

Offline barrym381

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 5,934
Re: DIY smoke testing for leaks
« Reply #7 on: 31 January 2013, 22:38 »
iv now Patented this and will sell for £99.99 a unit  :laugh:,  bring on sir suger  :cool:
need more than that to keep the mk4 runnin  :grin: :grin:

Offline pickles

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 769
  • Next!!!
Re: DIY smoke testing for leaks
« Reply #8 on: 31 January 2013, 22:49 »
iv now Patented this and will sell for £99.99 a unit  :laugh:,  bring on sir suger  :cool:
need more than that to keep the mk4 runnin  :grin: :grin:

lol tell me bout it m8, turbo next  :laugh:
weirdos on here i tell you ;)
mk4 golf 1.8T, AGU, CAI, Forge007p DV,TIP,Decat, Bilsteins with Koni springs dropped 40mm
Mapped

Nearly S3 time  :)

Offline barrym381

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 5,934
Re: DIY smoke testing for leaks
« Reply #9 on: 31 January 2013, 22:54 »
iv now Patented this and will sell for £99.99 a unit  :laugh:,  bring on sir suger  :cool:
need more than that to keep the mk4 runnin  :grin: :grin:

lol tell me bout it m8, turbo next  :laugh:
you will have spent more sortin it than you paid for it  :smiley: