Smoke Machine & Wideband O2

[JoshT]

Putting the finishing touches on my engine swap and getting ready to move into tuning it. In the comming weeks I'm going to be looking to acquire both of these items. Haven't seen either mentioned much/any in the past, but we've got members from all walks so I figured I'd ask.

First up is a smoke machine for leak detecting. I suspect intake and exhaust leaks, and have been thinking about getting one to locate them. I know carb cleaner, starting fluid, or propane work to an extent, but I want smoke. Then the engine tuner I'm talking to recommended doing it saying that small leaks are a large source of problem for trying to tune. Smoke machines are not difficult to DIY, but that really only makes sense if you already have a bunch of the parts lying around. I'd have to buy every part and it adds up. <Before someone suggests it, I know some people will use a cigar/cigarette and blow into it. I don't smoke, and would rather pay a shop to do it than buy even a cheap one.>

So, I'm looking to buy a fairly cheap diagnostic (not party) smoke machine off Amazon. Sub $100, preferibly in the $60 range. Anyone purchased or used one of these?
If not I'll just buy one that looks like the best deal and rating, give it a shot, report back after I've tried it out.

Second, we'll be using an SCT X4 and their Livelink software to datalog and flash the tune. I know very little about wideband O2 sensors beyond what I've read in the last few days, but the tuner wants one intalled and tracking AFR for the datalog. I understand the purpose, what they do, and what they are used for, but know nothing about the equipment itself and what's available. The tuner says that people have difficulty tying the wideband into the SCT's aux input and recommends a unit that is almost $450 because it is easier for the user to setup and log. Apparently that unit accpets aux inputs and he recommends feeding it a MAF signal and logging at the same time, then he matches up to the main datalog through the MAF signal. (hope that makes sense) Anyhow I've read the issues that people have with connecting a wideband O2 to the X4 and Livelink software and it appears to be 90% user error, wired wong or wrong settings in software. Being computer savy I don't think I'll have that issue and would rather spend about half as much on a more basic wideband.

Who here has played around with Widebands? What brand/model did you use and how did it work out?
Main function that I know I need is a leanier output to tie into the X4 and logging software, don;t care about a gauge since it isn't a permanent install.

 

[bobbywalter]

both of those items are standard fare to me. making ways to plug up the intake is the fun part.


building slip adapter or clamp adapters for wide band in a good range has challenges as well.

 

[JoshT]

both of those items are standard fare to me. making ways to plug up the intake is the fun part.

I think I can manage the plug part well enough. Got recommendations on the smoke machine itself?

building slip adapter or clamp adapters for wide band in a good range has challenges as well.

I assume you're talking about mounting the sensor itself? Getting a full exhaust built is one of my next steps prior to tuning, so I'm going to have that factored into the work. In addition to bungs for the normal O2 sensors, I'm going to have them install an extra for the wideband, and stick a plug in it when tuning is finished.

 

[bobbywalter]

solary and autoline. amazon and ebay.

Amazon.com: GlowShift 2-1/4"-2-1/2" Clamp-On Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge Oxygen Sensor Bung Adapter - No Weld Design : Automotive

Buy GlowShift 2-1/4"-2-1/2" Clamp-On Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge Oxygen Sensor Bung Adapter - No Weld Design: Oxygen - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[JoshT]

Thanks, I'll check those out.

I used a clamp like that when installing the Sniper system on the F-100 and getting it running, later replaced with a weld in bung when the exhaust was repalced. Like I said I'm going to be getting exhaust done on the Ranger anyway. It's all going to be replaced starting at the collectors and going all the way to the back bumper, the new high flow cats as well. That'll be done before the tuning and before the wideband needs to go in.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I bought a smoke machine off EBay awhile back. Autoline Pro, about $68 currently I think. I can’t exactly say how good it is because I haven’t got around to trying it yet. Looked like a more reputable one to get even though there’s not a lot to the basic ones. It’s a modded and glorified paint can. Looks like there’s some fancier options now that look more professional for not much more money though.

 

[JoshT]

It’s a modded and glorified paint can.

I saw those and definitely considered it. I think that I want one that has the built in pump, but the one like that with a built in pump is a little more than I want to spend.

solary and autoline. amazon and ebay.

Well I added a few of those Solary ones to my watchlist on eBay. It's the SD301, the basic one with a pump built in and normally runs around $65-70. Well one of them is a like new openbox unit, allegedly unused and appears to have everything intact. Got a seller offer for $30 and $15 shipping. I'll think about it for a day or twoand decide if I want to do that or buy a new one.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I saw those and definitely considered it. I think that I want one that has the built in pump, but the one like that with a built in pump is a little more than I want to spend.





Well I added a few of those Solary ones to my watchlist on eBay. It's the SD301, the basic one with a pump built in and normally runs around $65-70. Well one of them is a like new openbox unit, allegedly unused and appears to have everything intact. Got a seller offer for $30 and $15 shipping. I'll think about it for a day or twoand decide if I want to do that or buy a new one.

One with a built in pump would definitely make it more likely to be used… I’m gonna have to go look at them again…

 

[JoshT]

I guess @lil_Blue_Ford went and stole the open box one out from under me.

Kidding of course, but you know the saying. You snooze, you lose. Well, I definitely took a snooze and the open box was sold when I checked back in on it today.

Ended up ordering one from Amazon. Not the brands that Bobby suggested but identical to the Solary SD302 in all but color and name. Figured they probably came off the same assembly line anyway, and the things aren't complicated if I need to change or fix something. Ended up costing $85, but it has "better" switch setup and came with adapters and plugs that the $65 version didn't include. Stuff that I'd have ended up buying and costing more than the price difference. Will post what I bought and thoughts after I've had a chance to use it

For the wideband I've almost settled on using a 14point7 Spartan 3 V2. It's in the $200 range, uses the better Bosch LSU 4.9 O2 sensor, with the ability to use the even better LSU ADV. Realistically it has more capability than I need at this time, but a future use is with Megasquirt 3 and it's supposed to be very compatible with that. No dedicated gauge, but it didn't want that except for possible verification and it can be added later if I change my mind.

 

[bobbywalter]

yeah its all chineesium......i ran mine over....so.... amazon again.

 

[JoshT]

Well the smoke machine came in yesterday. It definitely works and I've definitely got leaks. I'll more of a review with pictures later, but this is the one I bought and why.

https://a.co/d/70aSu1S

My reasoning for selecting this particular listing is the switches and acessories included. I was initially looking at unit around $65. That unit was the basic smoke machine with a single on/off switch and the cone adapter. For $85 the unit above has a master power switch as well as individual switches for the air pump and smoke. It can be run purely as an air pump or with smoke production. I was already thinking how I could rewire the cheaper unit to add switches like that, which would have added to the cost. Accessory wise this unit includes the cone adapter of the cheap unit and an inflatable adapter, some plugs, and and EVAP adapter. Hopefully I'll never need the EVAP adapter, but the inflatable adapter was perfect for pumping smoke into the intake, and already used the plugs for the port going to the oil filler neck.

It was about $85 with coupon code, it's gone up to $100 now. I'd probably have selected a different unit at that price, but one with the same features and acessories.

I'll probably make a new thread in the engine section about finding and fixing the leaks.

 

[pentode]

That’s a piece of kit I need in the garage. Let us know how it works and holds up. But with a name like ITEFDTUTNE how could you go wrong?

 

[JoshT]

That’s a piece of kit I need in the garage. Let us know how it works and holds up. But with a name like ITEFDTUTNE how could you go wrong?

I know right! I almost skipped it because of the name. Then I figured it probably came off the same assembly line as the ones Bobby has used, I like the blue better than yellow, and it was $15 cheaper than the Solary at the time. Now they're the same price so I'd probably select the Solary.

Also figured that these machines are simple enough that I can probably fix anything that would go wrong with it. When I get done with my testing, I might see how hard it would be to remove the stupid name or sticker over it with something else. Maybe something referencing a hooka or bong? Be appropriate since who ever came up with the name was probably hitting one.

 

[pentode]

I’d bet money you’re right about them coming off the same assembly line. I see this all the time with electronics.
I think they just sell the same products through a bunch of different companies and just fold the brands that get bad reviews and start new ones.
In the 90s we used to get parts from companies with names like Joy Volt and Happy Power Sun and Specialgreen Maxitech. I think they ran out of random word combos and went to random letters.

 

[bobbywalter]

yeah....all the same shit. at least in the range i buy this sort of stuff.