Smoke tester questions

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  • LateFan
    R3V Elite
    • May 2013
    • 4399

    #1

    Smoke tester questions

    I would like to build a smoke tester similar to this...



    Question -
    I have no compressor. At only 2 psi, is it possible to just blow on a hose into the smoke can? Or can you not maintain the pressure long enough to test?

    What about a fitting on a bike pump?

    Thanks -
  • SmokeE30
    E30 Mastermind
    • Jun 2009
    • 1730

    #2
    You could probably rig up a air tank to work if you have one of those, maybe even a tire with the schrader valve removed might work. But having it done by a shop with the proper equipment would probably be your best bet
    Shawn @ Bimmerbuddies
    Bimmerbuddies LLC
    717-388-1256
    2971a Roundtop Rd, Middletown PA 17057
    bimmerbuddiesllc@gmail.com

    Comment

    • efficient
      No R3VLimiter
      • Feb 2012
      • 3312

      #3

      Comment

      • LateFan
        R3V Elite
        • May 2013
        • 4399

        #4
        Hah! I thought he said "...talkin' rice, boys.."

        Comment

        • jlevie
          R3V OG
          • Nov 2006
          • 13530

          #5
          You will need to hold pressure on the engine for at least 5 minutes. So trying to puff into the system is gonna be difficult.
          The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
          Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

          Comment

          • LateFan
            R3V Elite
            • May 2013
            • 4399

            #6
            Right.

            So does a bike pump send plenty of pressure on downstroke, then zero? Or does it hold the pressure, like when you pump a road bike tire to 110psi? It holds pressure between pumps.

            Comment

            • Boostesi
              Wrencher
              • May 2011
              • 220

              #7
              Originally posted by LateFan
              Right.

              So does a bike pump send plenty of pressure on downstroke, then zero? Or does it hold the pressure, like when you pump a road bike tire to 110psi? It holds pressure between pumps.
              the schrader valve on your tire is what hold the pressure between pumps.
              sigpicFellow e30 enthusiast
              Dont waste your time hating, aint nobody got time fo dat
              1986 bronzit 325es- SOLD
              1987 delphin 325i- parts car
              1990 scwarz 325is- m50 drift slut
              CHECK OUT THE BUILD!
              http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=229234

              Comment

              • LateFan
                R3V Elite
                • May 2013
                • 4399

                #8
                Ohh yes...or the Presta!
                Thanks.

                Comment

                • offsetmotorwerks
                  Noobie
                  • Apr 2013
                  • 27

                  #9
                  http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/223962/

                  Comment

                  • LateFan
                    R3V Elite
                    • May 2013
                    • 4399

                    #10
                    2 psi aquarium air pump?

                    5 gal Harbor Freight 125 psi air tank?

                    Harbor Freight super cheap 12V inflator / compressor?

                    Cheap compressor that won't work for any real air tools I would need?

                    Spare tire with a hose and pressure regulator?

                    Comment

                    • glnr13
                      E30 Fanatic
                      • Oct 2011
                      • 1334

                      #11
                      more effort to make one than to just take it to your local mechanic and test it in 5-10 mins.
                      sigpic

                      Comment

                      • LateFan
                        R3V Elite
                        • May 2013
                        • 4399

                        #12
                        Yeah.

                        But I like the idea of making one and fiddling with different cars.

                        Comment

                        • offsetmotorwerks
                          Noobie
                          • Apr 2013
                          • 27

                          #13
                          Originally posted by LateFan
                          2 psi aquarium air pump?

                          5 gal Harbor Freight 125 psi air tank?

                          Harbor Freight super cheap 12V inflator / compressor?

                          Cheap compressor that won't work for any real air tools I would need?

                          Spare tire with a hose and pressure regulator?
                          Just showing it is pretty easy to make a cheap one, I wouldn't use their exact formula...

                          Comment

                          • glnr13
                            E30 Fanatic
                            • Oct 2011
                            • 1334

                            #14
                            you'll need a compressor to build a good smoke tester.

                            using a bike pump and a shrader valve is not fiddling, that's mickey mousing it IMO

                            but if you must, you could do it with one of those fix a flat compressor things.
                            sigpic

                            Comment

                            • LateFan
                              R3V Elite
                              • May 2013
                              • 4399

                              #15
                              Did some more reading. Sounds like 2psi isn't really ideal - maybe more like 5 to 10. And enough cfm to move it through the system.

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