Tool Review: Redline Detection Smoke Pro Total Tech

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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?

A: As everyone knows, check engine lights and drivability concerns are some of the most common issues that technicians have to deal with these days. EVAP leaks are quite often the cause of check engine lights, and sometimes can cause drivability issues as well. Vacuum leaks can also cause both concerns. To diagnose both of these issues normally requires trying to see an air leak, which is next to impossible. Being able to inject smoke under pressure into these systems saves a huge amount of time in diagnosis and verifying the repair. 

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?

A: There was very little setup involved after removing it from the shipping box. It comes with everything assembled and ready to go, including the air-line adaptor if it is the correct one for your air supply. The flashlight was even charged. To actually use the tool, you do need to add some of the smoke-producing liquid. The only assembly needed was screwing in the hook used to hang the unit under a hood or under a vehicle. 

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: It's actually very easy to use. If you're working on an EVAP system, there is a Schrader valve removal tool and adaptor fitting for admitting smoke into the system. If your system doesn't have a Schrader valve, there is an Easy Connect Kit included with quite a variety of adaptors to hook up to the EVAP system for the same purpose. If you’re checking an intake manifold or something similar for leaks, there is a huge selection of plastic block-off caps included, and a nice inflatable bladder adaptor as well. Once you have everything sealed off, you hook up the hose from the tool to the system. If you just want to check for leaks, you can inject air under moderate pressure and check for leak down. If you need to locate a leak, you add some smoke-producing liquid to the reservoir, hook it up to the vehicle’s battery, push the power button, and you have five minutes of smoke-producing capability. Then you take the rechargeable light that is provided and look for your leak.

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?

A: The packaging is actually pretty decent. It comes in a very sturdy cardboard box, with protective dividers inside. All of the adapters and the flashlight are housed separately in a nice plastic carrying case.

Q: Was there a manual included?

A: There is a manual included. It shows all of the parts that are included, as well as some accessories that are available. It has instructions on how to use the machine, as well as instructions on how to perform the various tests. It also has a section on troubleshooting if something isn't working correctly. 

Q: What features did you like?

A: The unit is very small and compact. I have had a couple of other smoke machines, but they have been more cabinet-style and were much larger. I like that it came with such a variety of nice adaptors and plugs. A smoke machine isn’t much good if you can’t get it properly hooked up and sealed to what you are trying to check for leaks. The gauge is also very easy to read, and sort of glows in lower light situations. The flashlight that is included is pretty nice. It is a flip-open style, it’s rechargeable, and it has a number of different light color modes for leak checking.

Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?

A: So far, I’ve mostly used the machine to diagnose leaks in EVAP systems, since that’s what I see the most of. I don’t see any reason that it wouldn’t work well for leak checking any closed system if you could properly inject the smoke.

Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool?

A: I have used a couple of different smoke machines in the past. Both worked just fine, but were much bigger to store between jobs. 

Q: Is there any way you could think of to improve or add to this tool?

A: The tool itself seems to be pretty well thought out. The packaging could be improved. The adaptors and light all fit in a nice plastic storage case. However, there is no case for the actual tool, just a cardboard box. As we all know, cardboard boxes don’t fare well in a shop environment. It would be nice if the tool had a nice plastic case. Also, the option of a longer run-time would be good.

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A: Probably a solid 8.5. The tool seems to be pretty well built. The adaptors and caps are of good quality. The lack of a protective case is a concern. A run-time longer than five minutes would be helpful in difficult cases.