DIY smoke machine

What are people's thoughts on DIY smoke machines?

In an ideal world I'd like to buy a recommended smoke machine OEM approved and the rest. I'm aware that one of the main advantages of the more expensive machines is a built in flow meter which in all honesty is almost essential for proper leakage diagnosis. Funds been how they are in cannot afford a smoke machine so that is leaving me thinking in the mean time how should I build a cheap alternative?

My first search on the Web and I see a lot of machines made out of paint cans, hooked up to various compressors or hooked up to shop air with some sort of regulator to bring the pressure down to a minimal level. This is definitely an option but the preparation side of things with having to get the oil or rag lit and burning inside the can puts me off. Along with having to find somewhere safe to put the can as they get very hot.

The next idea I came across was adapting a DJ fog machine to use, i like this idea much more as it seems cleaner with less prep. My issues here tho are that i cannot find anyone who has tried the idea long term to report of any bad side effects. I am concerned about pressure, how much the machine put out and would it be enough to fill an intake or evap system or the other end of the scale would it be too much and damage valves etc? I have seen an example made with a small cheap fogger and the complaint was that the machine took too long between the heat up cycles to build up any decent volume of smoke quickly. My thoughts on this were getting a bigger output machine with a quicker heat up time. The next concern was of the smoke fluid used in the machines been safe to use in automotive applications. I realize manufacturers would say "ONLY USE AS DIRECTED!!!" but then again I'm sure the manufacturers of T-pins never knew how useful we would find them as back probes. I would worry that the smoke fluid may leave residue inside the different systems that could damage sensors etc however I'm basing this on no science what so ever just wild speculation on Google which as we all know is perfectly accepted Gospel.....

Has anyone got any real experience of either of these alternatives? Would appreciate some genuine advice or ideas. If not I think I'm going to give the fogger machine a go myself and start by using the workshops poor old 91 volvo as a guinea pig. Pictures and results to follow

I'm also not so sure that the fluid used in a novelty smoke machine is safe for automotive systems. There's a lot of home made machines out there, there were some pretty good looking ones on the last forum we had going.
A smoke machine is something I've always wanted, but the cost is just too much to justify without actually owning my own shop.
You could check pawn shops. In my experience, they usually don't understand the value of automotive tools and are usually very open to negotiation. That's pretty hit or miss though.

Good idea on the second hand shop hunt. In regards to the smoke fluid used in foggers I will happily admit I'm no chemical engineer I've read online about this concern but have seen no concrete evidence what so ever. Then again I've seen additive that are meant to be used in a vehicle do damage to components so....

I've seen additive that are meant to be used in a vehicle do damage to components so....

Very true

hopefully those home made machines that were on the old site will be reposted here at some point..was some good posts

hey guys, been gone awhile, had to make a new account, nice site,, too bad all those posts are gone

here are a few links to the UV smoke machine I made

I used nichrome wire cut to the correct length, forgot the ohms but I can put a meter on it if you want.


this thing works great,,, I believe I made the UV oil with 10ml A/C dye to a 1/2 qt of plain baby oil.

theres also an adjustable regulator that take the unit down to safe pressure 1/2 to 1lb and gauge to monitor







if you got any questions about the unit ill answer them.

YES, that's exactly the one I was thinking of. Are you still using it?

yup still using it,, it works great just like the big money ones you buy, no issues what so ever with the unit, in fact I'm still using the original nichrome wire

That's great! Finally somebody who has used one of these machines long term and can testify. I still think I'm getting drawn towards modifying a fogger machine, although pressure will be harder to control. IMulti-platform also thinking of teeing in a low pressure gauge to act as a flow meter and henceforth detect leaks.

So fog machine, low pressure gauge, regulator/filter, lots of tubing.

The shopping list is growing

Had a go with the uv dye in my home made smoker,cant seem to see any fluorescence in the smoke though

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did you use a UV light?

here is the kit I got off of ebay

hi there
Yes I got the glasses in with the purchase as well.
Cant open the ebay link
Ive included a pic of the uv dye Ive used, AC dye by ring.
Certainly using a smoke machine is the best way Ive gone for detecting air leaks,but the car I have now is defying diagnosis.With the long term fuel trim pegged at 23% saying air leak still.Fuel pressure flow are good and the injectors arent plugged or partially blocked.
Short term trim is all over the place +- 20%.
one thing I have noticed,oil fluoresces as well and alloy corrosion,I thought Id hit the jack pot until I looked at the smoke with the uv light direct from the hose



cheers Ian

Hey Ian, did you post a help request about that one? Forgive me if you did and I haven't seen it yet.

this is my exact mix,,, 2.5 ml of ac dye to 14oz of plain Johnson's baby oil

it works great for me,, as seen in my video. I can just hold the light up to the oil bottle on the shelf and it glows bright

I cant seem to post links on this site.... but you can search these words and it will come up

" UV Fluid and Gases Leak Detector Kit Car A/C System Dye&Glasse w/ 28 Leds Light "