EVAP leaks are sometimes hard to detect, unless you use an EVAP machine. These machines basically push smoke into the EVAP system, a system that should be airtight. If there are no leaks, all the smoke will stay in the system, but if there is even a tiniest leak, the smoke will exit through that leak, and you’ll see it coming out.
For this to be effective, EVAP machines use special oils to produce a highly visible smoke. So, if you have an EVAP machine and if you use it fairly often, you probably know all this. But do you know what oil to use in an EVAP smoke machine? In this article, we will tell you all you need to know, so keep reading!
What Oil To Use in an EVAP Smoke Machine
Overall, you can choose between two main types of EVAP oils: the mineral ones or specialized smoke fluids. Let’s take a closer look at these two options:
1. Mineral Oil – The Industry Standard
The most popular oil for EVAP smoke machines is pure mineral oil. Another alternative is (surprisingly) baby oil. Both oils are light, non-toxic, and free of additives and harmful chemicals.
- Also, mineral oils produce a dense and consistent smoke. This makes the smoke visible enough to trace even the tiniest leaks.
- Additionally, car mechanics and technicians like to use mineral oil because it burns cleanly and doesn’t leave sticky residue inside the EVAP system.
Using mineral oil also reduces the risk of triggering false emissions codes after testing. Sometimes, this happens if the vapor contaminates the system, which causes even more issues.
2. Specialized EVAP Smoke Fluids
You can also use smoke fluids that were designed specifically for EVAP leak detection. They are labeled as “EVAP-approved smoke fluid” or “OEM-certified smoke solution.” Their specific formula allows them to generate long-lasting and dense smoke. At the same time, this smoke is completely safe for rubber hoses, seals, and sensors.
Usually, these specialized smoke fluids are more expensive than mineral oil, and they can be harder to find. They are mostly used by professional workshops and car mechanics that perform frequent diagnostic tests.
If you’re just a regular car owner or car enthusiast, you can save money by choosing mineral oil, and you won’t notice a big difference.
What’s Not a Good Oil for EVAP Smoke Machine
This may seem like unnecessary information, but you’d be surprised how often people use inadequate oils in an EVAP smoke machine. By doing this, they often cause even bigger EVAP issues than they had before.
1. Oils that Contain Fragrances
Avoid using oils that contain fragrances, additives, or colorants. This includes scented baby oils and essential oils. They can leave deposits that clog the system and create inconsistent smoke output. They can even damage the internal heating coil.
2. Flammable Liquids
Also, never use flammable liquids such as diesel, WD-40, or brake cleaner. These liquids pose serious fire hazards and can destroy the machine.
3. Kitchen Oils
Next, don’t use oils that you use in your kitchen. They aren’t always effective at producing consistent and visible smoke, which practically renders them useless.
Overall, you should only use oils that are recommended by industry experts. Otherwise, you can just waste your time or even put yourself and your car in danger.
Where to Hook Up a Smoke Machine for EVAP Leak
Another thing you should know, apart from knowing how to choose an EVAP smoke machine oil, is how to use this machine. In other words, you need to learn where to hook up a smoke machine to detect a leak.
Given that the EVAP system is fairly complex and made of several different components, you don’t want to waste your time looking at the wrong spot.
So, here is how to correctly use the EVAP smoke machine:
Step 1: Find the EVAP Service Port.
This is basically a small valve located between the purge valve and the engine, and it has a removable plastic cap. When you hook up your smoke machine to this port, you introduce smoke to the entire EVAP system.
Step 2: Seal the System
Before introducing smoke into the EVAP system, you first need to seal it completely. This way, you will avoid false “positives” and prevent smoke from escaping the system prematurely.
Step 3: Introduce Smoke
Now you can introduce smoke into the system. Simply turn on the smoke machine and wait while it fills the system with smoke.
Step 4: Watch for Leaks
Once the system is filled with smoke, you can watch for leaks. Is there any smoke exiting the system? You should look around these spots:
- Fuel filler neck
- Purge valve
- Vacuum lines
- Charcoal canister.
Check everything twice, in case you missed something. If there is no smoke, then your EVAP system isn’t leaking. However, if there is even a tiniest trace of smoke, there is a leak in the EVAP system.
Affordable EVAP Leak Smoke Detector From Orionmotors
If you still have to buy your first EVAP leak detector machine, you’re in the right place. Here is a great option for you:
EVAP Smoke Machine with Mineral Oil Airbag
This EVAP Leak Detector uses mineral oil to produce smoke that helps find leaks in EVAP, exhaust, or cooling systems. It comes with a built-in pressure gauge and flow meter for accurate diagnostics, as well as a mineral oil airbag:
Conclusion
Knowing what oil to use in an EVAP smoke machine can save you so much time, money, and effort. It ensures that your EVAP smoke machine is reliable at detecting EVAP leaks. Also, using the wrong oil types can put both you and your car in danger.
To avoid any further damage, choose mineral oils or specialized smoke fluids. Don’t forget to follow our tips on how to use the EVAP machine properly!
You might also want to explore these six ways to find an EVAP leak in your vehicle.
