frequently asked questions

Why do I need a special machine that includes OEM EVAP-Approved smoke?
technology, like the Smoke Wizard, when testing a vehicle’s fuel vapour recovery system?

Within the Smoke Wizard is a patent technology that was developed in collaboration with the 3 major US auto manufacturers; designed to their specifications; and to be safe on vehicle components to include; ( activated charcoal,O2 sensors and catalytic converters); and is approved for EVAP system testing, and will not void vehicle manufacture warranty.

Additionally, licensed OEM EVAP-approved testers like the Smoke Wizard have been designed to operate with non combustible inert gas, such as nitrogen, this of course provides the safest EVAP testing possible.

Why do you recommend using an inert gas, such as nitrogen, when testing the EVAP system?.

The prerequisite for using nitrogen is a requirement made by many auto manufacturers using smoke technology. Under normal conditions the fuel tank environment is very rich in hydrocarbons and very low in oxygen content, thus not able to ignite. Laboratory tests demonstrate that only 11% of oxygen is required to be mixed with fuel vapours to cause a combustible condition.

When testing within the EVAP system and using only compressed air and in conjunction with a smoke tester; a ratio of 21% oxygen is produced; this can easily convert the vapour space to a combustible condition.

To eliminate any risk of fire when testing EVAP systems with the smoke wizard, a nitrogen supply must be connected. Nitrogen typically contains less than 1% oxygen making it impossible to sustain a combustion process within the fuel tank environment.
(Your safety is paramount!)

What other leaks can be found besides EVAP leaks?
Your Smoke Wizard can be used to detect leaks in many low pressure systems where air travels.
Tests can be performed within areas such as inlet and exhaust systems, throttle body and carburettor systems; injector seals, brake booster systems, intercooler and turbo charger systems. Other areas which can be tested cover, EGR, vacuum door locks, oil leaks, engine gaskets, diaphragms, oil seals. When using the diffuser adapter you can also diagnose air and water leaks around the vehicle structure, to include doors, windows, and sun roof apertures.

Can I adjust the smoke machine’s output pressure, and why wouldn’t a smoke tester that generates a higher smoke pressure detect leaks better?

Auto manufacturers specified the design of this technology was to prohibit the end user from making any adjustment to the output pressure of the smoke machine, other than for calibration purposes. This requirement along with many others was prerequisite to gain OEM approval for your Smoke Wizard equipment.
In addition to Auto manufactures stipulations, when trying to test a system on a problematic vehicle using a smoke tester, and setting the machine to higher pressure would make the fault finding more difficult.
To obtain the best possible result when using your Smoke Wizard, simply fill the system which is being tested with smoke; seal the system and allow the system to achieve full pressure ; monitor flow rate via the flow meter and inspect the system for any leaks; adjusting the smoke flow if desired.

This technique will assure you Smoke Wizard will provide you with fast fix solutions and accurate leak detection!

Can I replace the smoke tester’s solution with a basic generic mineral oil?

Smoke Wizard does not recommend the use of generic mineral based oils within its products. In fact, generic mineral based oils are not intended for automotive use. The approved oil within the Smoke Wizard is a refined oil based solution blended in a special patent formula.

The reason for using this type of oil is that it remains stable during the high temperatures exposed during the oils vaporization process, and is automotive friendly to all vehicle components. It also provides an odour free environment when using the Smoke Wizard.

When operating my Smoke Wizard, how can I be sure I am not connected to a plugged
or restricted line?. I think I am introducing smoke into the system being tested, but really I am not?

When operating the Smoke Wizard for the first time, the flow meter will display no flow if you have connected the smoke tester hose to a restricted or plugged line.
Note: No flow is displayed on the flow meter can also indicate there is no leak in a system that has already been filled.

When using the Smoke Wizard on a non EVAP system, do I have to use Nitrogen as a supply pressure?
When using the smoke wizard for testing non EVAP systems, normal workshop compressed air is required.
You will not need to use an external Pressure Regulator when testing non-EVAP systems.
Simply connect your work shop air hose directly to the water separator on the handle of the tester.

Be sure your work shop air pressure does not exceed the industry standard maximum of 150 PSI.

Smoke wizard also recommends using the water separator/filter supplied with the tester when you are using workshop compressed air. Failure to adhere to this advice can carry compressor contaminants into the smoke tester and also into the vehicle you are testing.

Why do you incorporate the special dye in your smoke solution?
Having the dye makes it easier to find and validate certain leaks. Such as leaks on top of fuel tanks or a leak that requires disassembly in order for easy access. All that you need to do is scan the component or area with the UV light.

Where can I find more information on the Smoke Wizard?
Please refer to the Smoke Wizard manual located in the resources section of the Smoke Wizard web site. Or call your local distributor / supplier for more information.