Wondering about this smoke test thing, what is special about the ones at garages ? Is it because they contain dye? Just looked around and can get a cheap smoke machine for about 25 quid on ebay
smoke test
- Thread starter ssbnumber34
- Start date
Anyone? getting annoyed with this silly little noise now, don't a boost leak test but the pressure drops too quick probably due to my broken dip stick tube maybe? but just can't see and sign of a leak anywhere, it's not like a whooshing noise like you would get with a boost leak more of a well a whsitle type noise, there is no loss of power though, thought it might be the exhaust as that had a clamp corroded and was leaking but replaced that and its still the same, also the inlet manifold had 2 bolts snapped so was leaking so i fixed that, still the same 
all pipes etc are dry, there is some oil on the bottom of the turbo which i can't tell where its coming from but can't see any cracks or anything, i'm wondering if the exhaust manifold could be loose maybe? with the cowboy that fitted the head snapping inlet bolts maybe he has done the same on the exhaust side, would that make the same noise?
all pipes etc are dry, there is some oil on the bottom of the turbo which i can't tell where its coming from but can't see any cracks or anything, i'm wondering if the exhaust manifold could be loose maybe? with the cowboy that fitted the head snapping inlet bolts maybe he has done the same on the exhaust side, would that make the same noise?
Dipstick Tube will cause a vacuum leak, for £5 and 10 minutes, get it sorted and see what happens. You also need to find the source of the oil under the Turbo, clean it all up as best you can, then find the highest point it’s coming from.
When you do a boost leak pressure test, you should block off the PCV where it connect to your TIP. This stops you pressurising the crank case and allows you to test only the intake and vacuum pipework. This with the broken dipstick tube is why you can’t build any pressure
I also wouldn’t use a normal party smoke machine. It’ll leave condensation inside your intake.
When you do a boost leak pressure test, you should block off the PCV where it connect to your TIP. This stops you pressurising the crank case and allows you to test only the intake and vacuum pipework. This with the broken dipstick tube is why you can’t build any pressure
I also wouldn’t use a normal party smoke machine. It’ll leave condensation inside your intake.
fix the broken dipstick tube and continue with smoke testing it.. one by one you will eliminate them
but by doing this you miss PCV/breather related leaks..
he should fix his dip stick tube of course....
Bill,
What PSI is safe when presurising the block? and should we leave the oil filler cap and/or dipstick in place?
I cant comment on what max is safe, my proper smoke tester is only 0.5psi test pressure but finds 99% leaks when applying to the intake (maf hose)
Mine has uv tracer dye to find the more difficult to see leaks which is handy at times
I leave everything connected. I want to find leaks.
I apply smoke to intake, and pull off a pipe off the intake mani so when I see smoke come out of the intake mani, I know the systems full of smoke, and replace the pipe to pressure can build.. (the whole massive 1/2 psi - lol)
Mine has uv tracer dye to find the more difficult to see leaks which is handy at times
I leave everything connected. I want to find leaks.
I apply smoke to intake, and pull off a pipe off the intake mani so when I see smoke come out of the intake mani, I know the systems full of smoke, and replace the pipe to pressure can build.. (the whole massive 1/2 psi - lol)
Last edited:
how much do you normally charge then bill to test for leakage i have a pd150 leon
i suspect i may have a boost leak eventhough i have uprated the hoses etc ,
i suspect i may have a boost leak eventhough i have uprated the hoses etc ,
yeah got a new dipstick tube and will stick it on on thursday, I was doing the leak test through the pipe that goes to the throttle body but had to block off the intake end as well as the pcv but I assume it was the dip stick that was the problem as the pressure dropped near enough instantly, is it better to do it from the air intake end? Sorry to sound thick but it's all new to me these bloody modern cars lol, not sure where the oil is coming from . It's not dripping or anything but is wet under the compressor side, just want this noise gone now
fitted new dip stick tube put my boost tester on and found an inch long split on one of the breather pipes under the inlet mangmanifold so I thought at last I found it, rrepaired that took it up the road but the noise is still bloody there I'm getting annoyed now
Tried mate but my tester seems to leak a bit and can't hear any other leaks anywhere
if i do it from the throttle body end then the pressure just goes down fast
You'll never find them all just by listening unless it's a massive one, get a spray bottle with a bit of washing up liquid in with water and spray it on all the pipes, if you have any leaks it'll make big bubbles.
Tried that mate it's very strange i'm thinking its probably a buggere d turbo as its a strange sound and doesn't really sound like a boost leak plus with no loss of power is what has confused me
Similar threads
