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Author Topic: How to build a "smoke machine" to detect exhaust leaks  (Read 304 times)

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Offline nomad

  • The Pioneer
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  • Bike Model: 2010 Ultra Limited
How to build a "smoke machine" to detect exhaust leaks
« on: January 02, 2012, 03:48:32 PM »
Remove and install the exhaust is always the PITA, and you have to repeat the PITA again, if you have the exhaust leaks.  I hope you don't!

There are many suggestions of how to detect the leak, and one of them, normally is not the option, but it is the best method:  smoke test.
After doing some research, I come up with a simple "smoke machine", which costs me nothing, and it is good enough to check for leak.
Here how I did it! :)

What you need:
  • Some paper towels
  • Some oil - it doesn't what kind
  • A glass, or metal container that has a long shape like a tall drinking glass.  I prefer the container that has an open mouth diameter about 3 inches, so the smoke will come out, not too fast, but not too slow.
  • A lighter
How to create smoke
  • Dampen the paper towel with oil.  Do not soak it!
  • Light up the paper until it has a good fire.
  • Put the lit paper inside the open container, which is in the upside down position to trap the smoke.  Wait until the smoke fill up the container, and the fire is out, then close the lid.
There you go!  You now have a "smoke machine' that is ready for the leak test.

Turn on the engine for few minutes, and open the lid of the "smoke machine" just below exhaust joint, and look for any movement of the smoke.  You should have enough smoke in few seconds to determine, if there is any air movement around the exhaust joint.
Of course, you can repeat the "procedure" as many times as you want, until you feel good, or feel bad enough that you have to take the exhaust apart to redo everything again.
I hope you don't have to do everything again.
Good luck and have fun.
Happy riding!
Nick

Note: I will try to post a video so you can see.  Later!
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2010 Ultra Limited



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