Finding a leak in a vehicle can be a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But Lou Fort, lead tech at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, Indiana, knows just the tool to help technicians pinpoint a leak’s location. According to Fort, Redline Detection’s SpeedSmoke, No. 95-0135, is the “[quickest] way to pressure test not only any EVAP system, but also a high pressure, turbocharged [system], and a lot more.”
After receiving the SpeedSmoke, Fort describes a simple setup – plugging in the light provided in the accessory kit to charge, reading through the manual, and checking to make sure the smoke fluid level was correct. After that, Fort says he just had to pick the appropriate adapters for whatever test he was performing.
Redline’s SpeedSmoke comes with a variety of accessories, packaged in a nice storage case, Fort notes. The accessory kit includes a 1.9” power intake bladder, an easy intake bladder, an assortment of caps for blocking off openings, a rechargeable LED light, an EVAP test port fitting and core tool, two bottles of smoke fluid, and an EVAP quick connect hose.
Also tucked into the accessory kit is the manual. Fort says he did read the manual before using the SpeedSmoke to prevent himself from accidentally damaging the machine. The manual includes Redline’s contact information, as well as basic instructions for both high and low pressure testing, safety steps for using the power intake properly, and a troubleshooting guide.
“Redline has even gone so far as to put basic operating instructions on the rear of the unit for a quick reminder or for the [users] that don’t care to read the manual,” Fort says.
Regardless of the manual, Fort says, “The SpeedSmoke has to be one of the easiest pieces of equipment to make use of.” All the user needs to do is attach the power leads to a battery, position the test switch for either EVAP or pressure, air or vapor, and set the flow rate.
Fort has had the opportunity to use the SpeedSmoke on numerous jobs. His first use of the machine was to find intake leaks on a 2000 F-150, and then it was used to check the integrity of an EVAP system on a 2007 Outback. He has also used it on a 2017 Chevy Trax, a few Ford Eco Boosts, and while in search of an elusive coolant leak on a Tacoma.
Through these multiple usages, Fort has found many features he enjoys, starting with the design of the machine itself.
“There is a classic/retro/exotic look and feel to the machine,” Fort says. “It looks more like a display piece than the high-quality tool that it is.”
Other features noted by Fort were the portability, the versatility of high and low pressure testing, the variety of accessories, and the built-in safety feature that will not allow operation of the SpeedSmoke if the machine senses a running vehicle.
The only downside of the SpeedSmoke unit for Fort is how the power bladder is inflated and deflated when used. In the future, Fort hopes to see a push-button pressure relief on the power bladder, similar to a tire pressure inflation tool.
Fort also suggested a cooling system adapter be included with the accessory kit, so users don’t have to purchase the adapter separately, some LED backlighting on the flow tubes and gauges, and the inclusion of an onboard power supply.
Overall, Fort was very impressed with Redline Detection’s SpeedSmoke, No. 95-0135.
“It is a logical migration on the power smoke side of the industry to join with [Redline’s] SmokeAir in offering standalone high-pressure testing. Redline has yet to disappoint us with [their] high-quality, ingenuitive tools and equipment.”
