Hi all,

I'm curious as to how you conduct a smoke test. I see a lot of information across the forum about different codes, but nothing seems to really cover how a smoke test is done if it reaches that point. The closest thing to it is harofreak00's DIY machine (thanks, btw). I see there is what I believe is called a "service port" toward the back right of the engine bay (it has a green cap and a schrader valve).

I am currently getting a P0442 code, which, based on my reading, is frequently the gas cap. I bought a new gas cap, but I'm still going to clean some of the rust from the filler neck as the code came back after replacing the cap and resetting. Nonetheless, I'd like to add the ability to conduct a smoke test on my vehicle to my list of DIY options.

Thank you.

I real smoke test needs to be done by an EVAP smoke machine costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

If there is any rust on the filler neck, just replace it as that surely the problem.

_________________
-Andrew-

2004 Bonneville GXP | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
2005 Town & Country Limited | Butane Blue Metallic | 290k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 210k | Official Bonneville Hauler

Hi harofreak,

So the smoke machine you gave a tutorial for isn't meant to be used seriously? I'm surprised by that as it seems like it would have some use...

Also, you don't think the rust can be cleaned from the filler neck? It's not like it's rusted through...it seems to be surface rust.

Absolutely its made to be used seriously, though it was very finicky and took a lot of work even to keep the smoke flowing for a couple minutes. After I built it, I never actually used it for any diagnosing purposes.

The rust on the filler neck can be cleaned up, but I've found its just easier and more reliable to replace it with a new aftermarket.

_________________
-Andrew-

2004 Bonneville GXP | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
2005 Town & Country Limited | Butane Blue Metallic | 290k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 210k | Official Bonneville Hauler

Check out fillernecksupply.com.
They have them for the Bonneville for $80.00.

I was thinking of an alternate method for this...you might just be able to use very low positive pressure and a soapwater to find most leaks (instead of smoke). But I never got to try this since my low leak evap code turned out to be an electronic failure. Shorted pcm wire rear fender to be exact.

I also can vouch for filler neck supply co. Good enough to work, and $270 cheaper than oem if you can still find one.

I got an OEM neck from Andrew in very nice shape which I sanded down and then painted with a few layers of POR15. Still shiny and very smooth to the touch a year and a half later.

_________________
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 185k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 60k miles

you can do a budget test:

-remove rubber intake hose from T
- get plastic bag and cover TB hole and put hose back on bag on tb to make a good seal
- remove vacuum hose to brake booster at booster
- get smoker to exhle blow smoke knto hose
look for smoke and fix leak

i found pipe to man. and fpr hose leak this way - try it

_________________
poverty forces one to do unorthodox things

2000 SSEi
past rides:
1996 SSEi
1992 GTP
1987 Grand Am