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AUTOOL SDT203 Automotive Smoke Tester with Pressure Gauge & Flow Meter
US$159.00
Key Features
- Pressure & Flow Feedback
- Adjustable Flow Control
- Built-In Air Pump
- Cone & Airbag Sealing Kit
- Pressure & Flow Feedback: Monitor pressure behavior and relative airflow during testing for more context than smoke visibility alone.
- Adjustable Flow Control: Tune airflow for different pipe volumes and connection conditions instead of relying on one fixed output.
- Built-In Air Pump: Run smoke tests without an external compressor for quicker workshop or mobile setup.
- Cone & Airbag Sealing Kit: Included cone, airbag, straight adapter, hook, and hose help connect and seal common automotive test openings.
- 3-Year Warranty Main unit 3 years · Accessories 1 year
- 90-Day Returns Eligible returns within 90 days
- Official Store Genuine products · Direct support
AUTOOL SDT203 · Built-In Pump Smoke Leak Detector with Pressure & Flow Feedback
Monitor Pressure and Flow Before You Trace the Leak
The AUTOOL SDT203 is a compact 12V DC diagnostic smoke machine with a built-in air pump, pressure gauge, flow meter, flow adjustment knob, and hook. It helps technicians and DIY users locate low-pressure leaks in EVAP, intake, exhaust, fuel-tank, vehicle-sealing, and line-fitting areas. Compatible vehicles include cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, off-road vehicles, light trucks, and speedboats.
- Pressure Gauge
- Flow Meter
- Adjustable Flow Control
- 5-Second Smoke Output
23Intake Adapters
<15 psiRated Pressure
<6 L/minRated Output Flow
3 YearsMain Unit Warranty
Core leak-detection capabilities
Key Features
SDT203 combines a built-in air pump with pressure and airflow monitoring for low-pressure smoke testing. Adjustable airflow and fast smoke output help locate leaks in EVAP, intake, exhaust, fuel-tank, and vehicle-sealing areas. The main unit includes 3-year warranty support.
External Pressure Gauge
The pressure gauge helps you see whether the test line is holding pressure. Stable or rising pressure usually indicates better sealing, while falling pressure may indicate a leak.
Flow Meter Window
The flow meter shows airflow changes during testing, while the adjustment knob lets you control output for the test.
Flow Adjustment Knob
Different vehicle lines may require different airflow settings. The adjustment knob helps control flow to protect the test system.
Smoke Starts in About 5 Seconds
Smoke generation starts in about 5 seconds, helping users locate leaks sooner.
Built-In Air Pump
No additional air pump is required. The built-in pump saves setup time and helps reduce extra tool cost.
EVAP and Fuel Tank Systems
Can be used for EVAP and fuel tank leak checks with adapters that match the vehicle test port or connection.
Intake and Exhaust Checks
Helps check intake and exhaust systems, engine sealing areas, and line fittings by showing where smoke escapes.
Line & Fitting Adapter Support
The smoke hose, adapters, rubber kits, and airbag adapter help connect the unit to different line openings and fittings.
Vehicle Sealing Tests
Useful for locating suspected sealing leaks where smoke can reveal gaps, cracks, or loose fittings.
Compatible Vehicles
Compatible vehicle types include cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, off-road vehicles, dune buggies, light trucks, and speedboats.
12V Vehicle Compatibility
Supports 12V DC leak checks on cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, off-road vehicles, light trucks, and speedboats.
Indirect A/C Leak Checks Only
Do not use SDT203 to directly pressure-test an automotive A/C system. First isolate and pressurize the A/C line segment according to the vehicle or A/C service procedure. Then apply smoke near the isolated section and watch for movement caused by escaping air.
Compact Hook Design
The compact body and hook make it easy to carry, store, and position near the test area.
Overheat and Low-Temperature Protection
Automatic temperature protection shuts down the unit if it exceeds the operating-temperature limit, while low-temperature protection supports operation in cold environments.
3-Year Warranty Support
Main unit: 3-year warranty. Standard accessories: 1-year warranty. Warranty Policy
Step-by-step smoke leak testing
Step-by-Step Instructions
The SDT203 uses low-oxygen combustion and its built-in pump to send smoke into a sealed low-pressure system, making leaks easier to locate visually.
Step 01
Add Testing Oil
Fill 10–15 mL baby oil or liquid paraffin into the oil refill port before use. If too much oil is added, drain some oil out before operation.
Step 02
Install the Hook and Open Airflow
Install the hook onto the hook port and position the detector securely near the test area if needed. Gently open the smoke flow control valve.
Step 03
Connect the Smoke Hose
Turn off the vehicle ignition, disconnect the test line or access point, and connect the smoke hose between the smoke outlet and the line under test.
Step 04
Connect 12V DC Power
Connect the red clamp to positive (+) and the black clamp to negative (-). A fully charged 12V vehicle battery is recommended for consistent performance.
Step 05
Generate Smoke and Locate Leaks
Press the Smoke Mode switch. The unit generates smoke quickly. Depending on system volume, allow about 30 seconds or longer for the test line to fill, then inspect for escaping smoke; use a light if needed.
Power, pressure and airflow monitoring, testing oil, heat, and low-pressure limits
Safety & Compatibility
SDT203 has a built-in air pump, pressure gauge, flow meter, and airflow adjustment for permitted low-pressure smoke tests. Use the gauge and meter to watch the test, and adjust airflow gradually; these controls do not raise the allowed pressure for the system you are testing.
12V Power and Built-In Air Pump
Connect SDT203 to a 12V DC vehicle battery before use. The built-in air pump provides the test airflow, so you do not need an external compressor.
Use Pressure and Flow Readings as Guides
SDT203 outputs less than 15 psi and less than 6 L/min. Use the pressure gauge and flow meter to watch the connected test path, and stay within the pressure allowed by the vehicle or component service procedure.
Adjust Airflow Gradually
Start with the airflow regulator near minimum, then increase flow only as needed for the connected test line. Changing airflow does not make SDT203 a high-pressure tester.
Testing Oil Is Not Included
Testing oil is not included. Use liquid paraffin or baby oil and add 10–15 mL before use.
Drain Old Oil Before Refilling
Add fresh oil only when the smoke output becomes thin. Drain the remaining oil first, then add fresh oil without exceeding 15 mL at one time.
Limit Continuous Use to 8 Minutes
Do not run SDT203 continuously for more than 8 minutes. Automatic overheat protection shuts off power above 75°C. Let the unit cool before restarting.
Do Not Use for Direct High-Pressure A/C Testing
SDT203 cannot directly pressure-test an automotive A/C system. If a service procedure permits smoke on an isolated A/C line section, follow that procedure and use smoke only as an indirect visual aid.
Compare AUTOOL smoke leak detector models
Compare Smoke Leak Detector Models
Compare AUTOOL smoke leak detector models by air source, pressure, output flow, operating mode, gauges, flow control, oil handling, vehicle power compatibility, and other model-specific features.
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| Specification | Model 1AUTOOL SDT203 | Model 2AUTOOL SDT50 | Model 3AUTOOL SDT60 | Model 4AUTOOL SDT100 | Model 5AUTOOL SDT101 | Model 6AUTOOL SDT102 | Model 7AUTOOL SDT103 | Model 8AUTOOL SDT106 | Model 9AUTOOL SDT205 | Model 10AUTOOL SDT205S | Model 11AUTOOL SDT206 | Model 12AUTOOL SDT208 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Output and Power | ||||||||||||
| How It Works | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion | Low-Oxygen Combustion |
| Input Power | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC / 5A | 12V DC | 12V DC / 5A | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V DC | 12V / 24V DC |
| Testing Oil Fill Volume | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL | 10–15 mL |
| Rated Output Pressure | <15 psi | <10 psi | <10 psi | <10 psi | 3.2 kPa (0.46 psi) | <10 psi | 3.2 kPa (0.46 psi) | <12 psi | <15 psi | <15 psi | <18 psi | <10 psi EVAP / 35 psi Standard |
| Rated Output Flow | <6 L/min | <5 L/min | <5 L/min | <5 L/min | >10 L/min | >6 L/min | >10 L/min | <5 L/min | <6 L/min | <6 L/min | <6 L/min | <15 L/min |
| Rated Power | 65 W | 50 W | 50 W | 50 W | 48 W | 48 W | 48 W | 50 W | 65 W | 65 W | 70 W | 80 W |
| High-Temperature Protection | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C | Automatic shutdown above 75°C |
| Response Time | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds | Produces smoke in 5 seconds |
| Monitoring and Control | ||||||||||||
| Flow Meter Window | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| Pressure Gauge | Included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Flow Adjustment Knob | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| Fault Indicator Light | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Oil Level Gauge | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included |
| Air Source and Operating Modes | ||||||||||||
| Air Source Type | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | External Air Source | Built-in Air Pump | External Air Source | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | Built-in Air Pump | Dual Built-In Air Pumps | Built-in Air Pump |
| Operating Modes | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Smoke Mode | Air Mode / Smoke Mode | Air Mode / Smoke Mode | Air Mode / Smoke Mode | Air Mode / Smoke Mode |
| Dual Pressure Mode | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Standard Mode (35 psi) / EVAP Mode (10 psi) |
| Oil Drain Valve | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Size and Weight | ||||||||||||
| Net Weight (Main Unit) | 1.7 kg | 1.5 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.15 kg | 3.5 kg | 3.2 kg | 3.2 kg | 3.5 kg | 4.2 kg |
| Main Unit Dimensions | 145 × 80 × 200 mm | 145 × 80 × 200 mm | 145 × 80 × 200 mm | 180 × 102 × 143 mm | 180 × 100 × 135 mm | 180 × 102 × 143 mm | 180 × 100 × 135 mm | 110 × 135 × 210 mm | 295 × 295 × 207 mm | 295 × 295 × 207 mm | 150 × 150 × 275 mm | 350 × 250 × 300 mm |
Model Guide
Use this overview to identify the smoke leak detector models you want to compare in detail.
AUTOOL SDT203
Built-in air pump · <15 psi rated output pressure · <6 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT50
Built-in air pump · <10 psi rated output pressure · <5 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT60
Built-in air pump · <10 psi rated output pressure · <5 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT100
Built-in air pump · <10 psi rated output pressure · <5 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT101
External air source · 3.2 kPa (0.46 psi) rated output pressure · >10 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT102
Built-in air pump · <10 psi rated output pressure · >6 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT103
External air source · 3.2 kPa (0.46 psi) rated output pressure · >10 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT106
Built-in air pump · <12 psi rated output pressure · <5 L/min rated output flow · Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT205
Built-in air pump · <15 psi rated output pressure · <6 L/min rated output flow · Air Mode / Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT205S
Built-in air pump · <15 psi rated output pressure · <6 L/min rated output flow · Air Mode / Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT206
Two built-in air pumps · <18 psi rated output pressure · <6 L/min rated output flow · Air Mode / Smoke Mode
AUTOOL SDT208
Built-in air pump · <10 psi EVAP / 35 psi Standard rated output pressure · <15 L/min rated output flow · Air Mode / Smoke Mode
What’s in the Box
Package Contents
The package includes the SDT203 main unit and the accessories shown below. Testing oil is not included; use liquid paraffin or baby oil as testing oil.
- Main UnitAUTOOL SDT203 smoke leak detector
- Retail BoxSDT203 retail box
- Power Cable12V battery clamp cable
- Smoke HoseSmoke output hose for connecting to the line under test
- AdaptersCone adapter, airbag adapter, straight adapter, hook, funnel, and accessories
- DocumentationUser manual
Manual, warranty, and setup support
Manual and Downloads
Use the manual below for SDT203 setup, operation, maintenance, specifications, and safety guidance.
AUTOOL SDT203 User Manual
Open the PDF manual for setup, testing oil, 12V DC power, Smoke Mode, accessories, maintenance, and safe-use instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What Testing Oil Should I Use for SDT203?
Use liquid paraffin or baby oil as the testing oil. Use dedicated smoke-testing oil if available; otherwise use the approved alternative specified for this model. Do not use water or sticky liquid.
How Much Testing Oil Should I Add?
Add 10–15 mL testing oil before use and do not overfill. Refill only when the smoke becomes thin, and do not add more than 15 mL at one time. Before adding fresh oil, drain remaining old oil from the detector. If too much oil is added accidentally, drain some oil out before operation.
Can SDT203 Detect EVAP Leaks?
Yes. AUTOOL smoke leak detectors can test leaks in EVAP systems. Use the EVAP adapter or service tool that matches the vehicle test port.
Can SDT203 Directly Test Automotive A/C System Leaks?
No. Automotive A/C systems are high-pressure systems, while SDT203 is a low-pressure smoke leak detector with <15 psi rated output pressure. It cannot directly pressure-test the automotive A/C system for leaks. Use smoke only to help inspect an A/C line section after isolating and pressurizing it according to the service procedure.
How Can Smoke Help Locate a Leak in an Isolated A/C Line Section?
First isolate and pressurize the A/C line segment according to the vehicle or A/C service procedure. Then apply smoke along the line and observe whether escaping airflow disturbs the smoke. If escaping air moves the smoke, inspect that area for a possible leak.
What Systems Can SDT203 Test?
For automotive diagnostics, SDT203 supports low-pressure checks for EVAP, intake, exhaust, and fuel tanks. It can also check vehicle-sealing areas, engine sealing areas, and line fittings when the test point can be sealed safely.
What Power Supply Does SDT203 Need?
SDT203 uses 12V DC vehicle battery power. Connect the red clamp to positive (+) and the black clamp to negative (-). A fully charged 12V vehicle battery is recommended for consistent performance.
Can I Adjust the Pressure on SDT203?
SDT203 uses fixed output below 15 psi. Its flow adjustment knob controls airflow, not pressure mode. If separate Standard and EVAP pressure modes are required, compare SDT208.
What Accessories Are Included?
Check the product listing or your selected package option for the exact items included. The package includes the main unit, retail box, 12V battery clamp cable, smoke hose, cone adapter, airbag adapter, hook, funnel, adapter, and user manual. Testing oil is not included.
How Do AUTOOL Smoke Leak Detector Models Differ?
SDT103 is EVAP-focused and uses an external air source. SDT106 uses a built-in air pump and Smoke Mode. SDT203 adds a built-in air pump, pressure gauge, flow meter window, and flow adjustment knob. SDT205 and SDT205S add Air Mode and Smoke Mode. SDT206 uses dual built-in air pumps. SDT208 provides Standard Mode at 35 psi and EVAP Mode at 10 psi. Compare air source, output pressure, output flow, pressure gauge, flow meter, Air Mode / Smoke Mode, oil drain valve, oil level gauge, and accessories before ordering.
How Long Is the Warranty for SDT203?
Main unit: 3-year limited warranty. Standard accessories: 1-year limited warranty. See Warranty Policy for coverage and exclusions. Contact AUTOOL Store for setup questions, accessory questions, troubleshooting, and after-sales support.
Customer Reviews
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Mike Nolte ✓ Verified Purchase –
Great tool
Blows smoke and works as expected. Thanks
Mike ✓ Verified Purchase –
Great tool
Blows smoke and works as expected. Thanks
Robin ✓ Verified Purchase –
Thank you
Thank you