AutoLine Pro Automotive Smoke Machine Leak Detector EVAP Vacuum Diagnostics Tester | Economy Series

After using it in my shop for a few weeks, I can say this machine is damn effective. You can be done with diagnosing leaks in mere minutes. What I found out that it does is turns mineral oil into thick smoke which is then pumped in sealed systems, such as air intakes, exhausts, you name it. Wherever there are cracks, smoke would seep out and this would determine the leak source. It's so effective and fast to use! To hook it up, you simply connect the power cables to the 12V positive and negative battery terminals of your car. Then plug in your air compressor and you're good to go. I now have 3 of these running, 2 in the shop and 1 at home. Huge time saver! PROS: - Fast and easy to use. Capable of finding common leaks in mere minutes. (Hint from experience: use a flashlight) - Works on almost all sealed systems like intake manifolds, exhausts, etc. and the mineral oil is safe for even oxygen sensors. Believe me, I've tried. However, I'd still cover up the mass air flow sensor just in case. - Has an air regulator @ a very safe 1 psi so your system doesn't blow out. - Compact. You can put everything back into the box it was shipped in for quick storage. CONS: - The unit requires mineral oil which is not included. Had to go out to purchase some at Walmart for a few bucks. - Air connector only allows for a quick connector fitting from any air compressor. But I don't see why you can't use a hand pump for this. - The kit doesn't include an EVAP port adapter, but you can simply disconnect the EVAP hose and use the included multi-size tip. If you have one in the shop, I'd recommend an EVAP port adapter for much faster diagnosing. UPDATE July 20, 2017: It's been 4 months since I've purchased 3 of these (2 in the shop and 1 at home). Everything is still working strongly. Quite impressive for such an affordable diagnostic machine. I refilled mineral oil only once or twice for the ones I had in the shop. Which costed me less than $3. Had a question about what type of mineral oil would be best and seller responded very promptly. Use plain ol' mineral oil guys! It's cheaper than baby oil and baby oil smells a little bit. Good customer service, great product. I'm happy, just thought I'd let you guys know.

Very simple tool, but works great.

Cool package, I’m glad I got it, especially over other kits

The only reason this would get a poor review is if the buyer has no concept of what it costs to produce and market a unit like this. Yes, this unit is a little cheap and cheesy but, it works well if you set it up properly. For what the unit costs, you are actually getting a fair deal. The most important parts ie. ( power cord and heat coil inside and regulator ) are of good quality and that is what truly counts. Yes, the can is a cheap Home Depot tin paint can with fittings for air and the smoke tube and power attached and a regulator. All looks like its straight off Ebay or maybe from here on Amazon. But, they do a good job of putting it all together for you. I read a few of the bed reviews that complained that said " I could have made this junk myself for cheaper! " and their right. But they didn't! You are paying for parts and for someone else to build it for you. With that in mind you are getting a fair deal for your money and it works. Keep the air PSI under 10 psi and it is a little champ.

Takes all of 2 minutes to connect everything. Instructions say it should take about 5 minutes before you start seeing smoke. It didn't take mine that long. I hooked it up to a 3 gallon air compressor from Harbor Freight, and gets consistent smoke. Worked like a charm.