Smoke Leak Checklist
The customer often asked, “Is this automotive smoke machine broken?” But after checking, it often turned out they had simply forgot to add the smoke oil. Small setup mistakes can easily create misunderstandings and waste time.The AUTOOL vacuum leak tester is easy to use, but if you miss some small details, it can still fail to produce smoke or stop working unexpectedly. This self-check guide helps users solve minor issues on their own, understand common fault causes, and keep the machine working as expected.
No Smoke Output

New vacuum smoke tester with no smoke output?

1. Check the Oil Type, Oil Amount, and Heating Cotton First

The AUTOOL vacuum leak tester is very easy to use, but if one setup detail is missed, it can easily lead to misunderstanding. If the machine produces no smoke, do not assume it is broken right away. Start with the most common setup checks first.

Check the smoke oil type

Use liquid paraffin or Johnson’s baby oil for testing. Stage smoke oil should not be used.

Check the smoke oil amount

Do not add too much oil. The original guidance recommends about 10 – 12 mL so the chamber has enough space to produce smoke.

Check the heating cotton

Open the smoke tester and confirm that the heating cotton has not fallen off. If it has, reinstall it before using the device.

Smoke leak detector setup and heating cotton inspection
Before diagnosing a smoke output problem, confirm the oil type, oil amount, and heating cotton position.
Stops Midway

After using the automotive smoke machine for a while, it suddenly stops producing smoke

2. Verify Voltage, Oil Level, and Heating Cotton Condition When Smoke Stops Suddenly

If the machine works at first and then suddenly stops producing smoke, there are usually a few likely causes. The first step is to check whether the voltage reaches 12V after the machine is powered on. If there is no voltage, the mainboard may be damaged.

Machine is relatively new

This often means too much smoke oil was added. Pour out the excess oil and keep it around 15ml.

Machine has been used for a long time

The heating cotton is likely burned. In that case, request a replacement heating cotton.

Voltage check for a smoke leak tester that suddenly stopped producing smoke
When the smoke output stops, check voltage first, then inspect oil amount and heating cotton condition.
Burned heating cotton inside a smoke leak detector
Long-term use can burn the heating cotton and stop smoke output even if the rest of the machine still powers on.
No Power

Device won’t start / no power?

3. Inspect the Voltage Converter If the Device Will Not Start

If the device will not start at all, open the casing and measure the input and output voltage of the voltage converter. This simple check can help determine whether the electrical part is the source of the problem.

Converter has no output

If there is no output from the converter, replacing this part should solve the issue. Request a replacement voltage converter.

Converter output is normal

If output is normal, continue checking the other smoke oil and heating components before assuming a deeper fault.

New Unit Check

Just received your SDT103 vacuum leak tester?

4. Confirm Oil, Air Supply, and Flow Meter Status on a New Machine

When a new SDT103 vacuum leak tester does not produce smoke, the issue is often related to simple setup details rather than a true machine fault.

  • Smoke oilSmoke oil should be added correctly at about 15 to 20 mL.
  • Air compressor connectionThe air compressor must be properly connected before the machine can work correctly.
  • Flow meter ballIf the flow meter ball is stuck and not moving, turn the SDT103 upside down. If the ball moves, smoke output should return to normal. If it still does not move, the flow meter may be damaged.
SDT206 Notes

SDT206 automotive smoke machine producing little smoke?

5. Check the Air Source, Flow Meter, and Air Pump on SDT206

If the SDT206 produces only a small amount of smoke, check whether the air source is connected first. Then unscrew the flow meter knob and check whether the internal ball moves up and down.

Flow meter is stuck

Turn the machine upside down and check whether the ball moves. If it does not, the flow meter may be damaged and should be replaced.

Flow meter works fine

If the flow meter is working properly, request a replacement air pump.

Tips

6. Small Habits Can Prevent Most Smoke Tester Problems

These checks solve many of the most common problems found in smoke leak detectors. Before use, read the user manual carefully and follow the steps in order. After each use, clean any residual smoke oil to help extend the device lifespan.

If parts such as the sealing ring or smoke hose need to be replaced, request the correct replacements through support. If the above methods do not solve the issue, share the fault details with the support team so they can help quickly.

Need a stable smoke leak detector workflow?

Use the related products and troubleshooting articles below to match the right smoke tester and keep your leak detection process consistent.

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