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so, which smoke tester should I get, rather than build another failure?
Quote:
Originally Posted by workingonit
...I just tried to get my home-made smoke tester to work again, but it seems the heating element (a Performance Tool 120 Volt Soldering Iron) has burnt out, so I don't know if I want to try another element like it, though it worked OK for three test sessions, a year ago. My smoke tester is homemade, very low pressure, and probably not up to the job.
Attachment 83714... |
I tried a different soldering iron to replace the burnt-out one; very low wattage, so there's little smoke. I guess the cheap design is not satisfactory, so I'm looking at smoke testers on Amazon, again.
But, I have a relevant question: how much output pressure do I need? I've read where you need about 1/2 psi, no greater than 10 psi, and have seen smoke testers putting out up to 20 psi, though most don't list the pressure.
My M54 has a running (at idle) vacuum of 22+ psi, so I'd assume that a tester putting out that pressure or less, wouldn't blow out seals (valve cover, rear main, etc). But, 50'sKid , a YouTuber from E46 Fanatics, built one using a low pressure propane regulator (.5 psi-about 10 psi max) because of fear of blowing out seals.
My failed tester used a simple HORUSDY Multi-Use Siphon Fuel Transfer Pump for Gas Oil and Liquids, with negligible pressure, but the smoke volume wasn't enough to judge anything by; testers I'm looking at on Amazon (and Ebay) run the gamut in pressures, and about half of them require you to furnish your own air supply.
I have four air compressors/pumps - 1) the hand pump, of course,
- 2) a very old, small, Campbell Hausfeld 12v 100 PSI Inflator (without gauge or pressure adjustment),
- 3) a PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE 12V 150 PSI Compact Air Compressor from HF (w/gauge, but no pressure adjustment, IIRC),and
- 4) a Husky 20 Gal. 175 PSI Portable Electric Air Compressor (with pressure adjustment, but it's unknown how low it'll operate at)
but again, what should I aim for, pressure-wise?
Any recommendations? I'm going to my garage to try adjusting my Husky's psi as low as I can, having never needed LOW pressure before.
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01 BMW X5 E53,3.0i-5L40E, 7/13/01
topas-blau,Leder-grau,"resto-project car"
Here:
14 Lexus ES350,3.5L-U660E
09 HHR Panel,2.2L-4T45E
04 Chevy 2500HD,6.0L-4L80E
98 GMC Sierra 1500,5.7L-4L60E
Gone:
66 Chevelle Malibu 2dr ht.,327>441c.i.-TH350>PGlide/transbrake
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73 Volvo 142,2.0L-MT4
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64 VW,1.2l-MT4
67 Dodge Monaco 500 2dr ht.,383c.i.-A727
56 Chevy 210 4dr,265c.i.-PGlide
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