I've used my cheap siphon fluid pump from Amazon (probably $8 then, $10.50 now) several times for subtracting/adding tranny fluids, draining a washer, and it worked ok for the homemade smoke tester. It was the lousy soldering iron that failed.

It was worth the money spent, and I keep it handy, along with my other "fluid transfer tools" (cheap pump, 12v pump, turkey baster, Vacuum Pump Brake Bleeder Kit...no direct fluid contact, Motive Products Power Bleeder 2-Quart Tank with Hose and Adapter).

I wouldn't bother with the cigar, though, but maybe you should get an AutoLine Pro Automotive Smoke Machine Leak Detector EVAP Vacuum Diagnostic Tester | Shop Series | Assembled in the USA, like I finally did. I haven't actually used mine yet (it's always something else), but I'm sure it'll do the job. Maybe you'd prefer the self-contained air pump model, but I have a compressor handy, so I didn't get it.

Here' a video I found yesterday about it: https://youtu.be/0sCT81zUiOQ

__________________
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
08 Cobalt Coupe,2.2L-4T45E
69 & 75 C10s,350c.i.-TH350
86 S10,2.8L-700R4
73 Volvo 142,2.0L-MT4
72 & 73 VW SuperBeetles,1.6l-MT4
64 VW,1.2l-MT4
67 Dodge Monaco 500 2dr ht.,383c.i.-A727
56 Chevy 210 4dr,265c.i.-PGlide