TOTAL-TECH Joe
Hendricks Manager
St Paul, MN
Jon Mirski, Chris Mirski, Mark Stranik Purchased
multiple units and are friends |
“I have been fixing cars for along time and wish I had discovered the Smoke Pro before. The way cars are made today make smoke machines mandatory. There is not one tool that can pay for itself faster or make more money for our business. Six days after trying one of these we purchased six more for our other stores. Fords in particular come in with lean conditions quite often. The biggest Failure codes are PO 174 and PO 171. Every car that has these lean condition codes (bank 1 and 2) gets smoked. The four most common leaks are intake gasket leaking, EGR valve leaking, IAC valve leak, and PCV valve at bottom side of intake. The smoke finds these immediately. Most of these Fords are finicky and it is difficult if not impossible to hear the difference in idle with carb cleaner or propane because of the engines whooshing noise. In today’s cars a minimum amount of vacuum loss may be causing these problems due to their increasing complexity and stricter emission requirements. Here are about four days worth or repairs. We worked on a Ford Taurus and found leaking upper and lower intakes. Re-smoked it and found a leaking EGR. Wrote about a $550.00 invoice. A Mazda had a fractured inlet and a leaking elbow at the PVC resulted in a $650.00 invoice. We found an upper intake leak on a Ford Ranger and verified a leak on a Dodge Intrepid. On these repairs the tickets averaged about $450.00. Now we repair with confidence and show the customer where the engine takes in un-metered air so they are comfortable with our service. We really like not having to hassle with nitrogen or a smoke machine that has its own internal air compressor. Hook this up to your air supply (it has a regulator on it) and a car battery and you are ready for testing. It is not complicated. I can see now how many cars I sent away to the dealer that I could have fixed easily with this tool. The profit lost to our business is a little hard to swallow. I am strongly recommending this tool to our other stores.” |
“I have recently purchased a Smoke-Pro (Total-Tech) and have used it for a couple of months now. I have tried many different types of smoke detection devices and hands down your product has, in my opinion, become the holy grail of leak detection equipment. So far I have found many EVAP leaks and the diagnostic time has been cut down by at least 2/3. Recently we performed over $1200.00 worth of repairs on a 1999 Ford Expedition with 180k miles. I brought the long term fuel trims down from 13 at idle to 2. This car had a leaking EGR, leaking throttle shaft, and a leak at the lower intake plenum. Also we found a leak in the PCV line where a crack was found under the foam insulation. This would have been impossible to see with out the thick smoke. It took me about 10 minutes to have this vehicle hooked up. I am a full time automotive technician that see's the potential of profit and helping my fellow tech's gain access to this incredible device. About the oil, I went to my Walgreens and purchased a big 20 OZ bottle of baby oil for $3.00. This will last us a long time and is a big plus. Thank you" |
|
TOTAL-TECH Tim
Parker
|
“This
tool is unbelievable and gets used everyday! It is easy to operate because
it is portable, hangs under the hood and is easy to grab when you need
it. We have a Vacutec that barely functions. Because of its poor smoke
function it is impossible to find small leaks. We received the Smoke
Pro after trying to locate a small EVAP leak (P0456) with the Vacutec
with no success. The Smoke Pro found the small leak (a hairline crack
in the EVAP canister) in about ten minutes from hook up. Without our
Smoke Pro it would be impossible to find these small leaks. The thicker
denser smoke was essential. This car barely failed the EVAP test and
malfunctioned with a leak actually smaller than 020. |
TOTAL-TECH Hugh
Brown
|
“My
tool dealer told me to test this tool. We have the OTC model and I did
a side by side comparison with both tools. Even though an OTC smoke machine
is here to use I purchased my own Smoke Pro Total-Tech. The biggest difference
to me is the OTC’s smoke seems to evaporate faster and makes it
more difficult to chase down the small leaks that are harder to see. Leaks
above the fuel tank are a good example. The Smoke Pro seems to have a
denser smoke that stays around longer and is easier to see.
This tool is not bulky and does not have a large nitrogen cart and set up. Nitrogen is a hassle and there never seems to be any in the tank anyway. Everyone we show this tool to is impressed. Toyota of Temecula Valley also has a Smoke Pro. There is a lot of talk about this tool within our Toyota techs so you should be seeing more and more orders. I am very happy my dealer showed me this. Once I used it, I had to have it. I only wish I had seen it sooner” |
TOTAL-TECH Eddie Gurka Meineke - Missouri City ASE Certified L-1
|
“This
tool is very simple, just push a button and it goes. We found a leak on a 2000 Ford Expedition; it had EVAP codes 6 times in the last year and had been to at least 3 different shops. They changed all the (PCV) lines under the hood only to have the light come back on in a few weeks. Then the customer brought it to us. Within 20 minutes I fixed a gasket (O RING) at the fuel pump. This tool worked absolutely perfect and I wrote a $600.00 ticket. I believe the code was a PO 440 or 442, On a 2000 Mercedes Benz we found that the oil separator was clogged, the customer had been to the dealership which was not aware of the problem. The Smoke Pro really figured this out in a few minutes. We sold this job only because we were able to show the customer with smoke the problem.
Being able to get the oil for this tool at Wal Mart is really a plus.
This tool creates opportunity that means profit for our business." |
TOTAL-TECH Jim Havey
|
“We
are the oldest shop in Sacramento and have been doing business in the
same location since 1917. We recently borrowed a Smoke Pro from another
shop and had to buy one after the three repairs we did that day.
We replaced a bad LDP in a 2001 Dodge Intrepid (code PO442) $324.00, found a bad vacuum line above a purge solenoid on a 97 Acura TL $136.50, and found a major EVAP leak in a 97 E420 Mercedes Benz. This car had a bad shut off valve on top of the vapor canister. The Valve was $408.00 and the labor was $185.00. Needless to say the Smoke Pro is a great investment for us. The amount of EVAP codes we are getting now make this very important. This tool is simple to use even without any instruction." |
TOTAL-TECH
Stephen Kosacz President, Autoworks,
Inc.
Judged "Best Auto Repair Shop" in Maine by AAA in 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2002 |
Dear
Redline
We are a AAA
Award Winning and ASE Blue Seal 9 bay facility that has provided comprehensive
service on all makes of cars since 1976. We employ 4 ASE Master and
Factory trained technicians and have been judged Best in the State AND
Northern New England by AAA. We rarely endorse products and have had
no real reason to do so until the Smoke Pro. The Smoke Pro found a major vacuum leak from a port on the replacement engine that did not exist on the broken one. Whew! To say this tool meets our expectations is an understatement. This tool has proved its value to us over and over again and exceeds our expectation by a wide margin. Certainly the best value for all the $xx,xxx.00 spent on diagnostic tools purchased this year.
|
| "We
got our Smoke Pro about 2 1/2 months ago and this tool has paid for itself
at least 2 or 3 times. We use it sometimes as many as 4 or 5 times a day
and do not throw parts at EVAP codes anymore and they are fixed right.
I have detected leaks as small as 0.010 and love the simplicity. Ford
Intake manifolds, fuel tank pressure sensors, EVAP, and various vacuum
leaks are diagnosed and fixed in a fraction of the time. We will sometimes
bring the customer out to show them the problem before the repair. This
is one tool we can not go with out. Highly
recommend this one." |
|
|
TOTAL-TECH John Fisher, Owner ASE Certified Master Tech Metric Motors of San Francisco
|
"We
first thought a Smoke Machine was like a gimmick… After borrowing
one we knew it was really needed in our business. We have paid for our Total-Tech the first week we owned it. We repaired a 2000 C44 Porsche 996, this one had bad crankcase breather hose. We had to pull the motor, so it was a about a $1600.00 repair. We found a large vacuum hose leaking in a 1980 MB 450SL under the intake manifold, this was about a $900.00 job and 1998 540I BMW had a bad throttle body gasket and resulted in a $300-$400.00 job. After 20 years
without one this is a tool we cannot live without." |
TOTAL-TECH Ben Skillings Service Director Joe Self Chevrolet/Cadillac 316-689-4340
|
"I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how impressed I am with the leak detector that we purchased. We did not have it 1 hour before it saved us at least an hour in diagnostic time in finding a vacuum leak. I keep the tool in my office so that I can get feedback from my technicians when they use it. They have all commented on what a great job it does. You are right about the only limitations to what you can use it for is your imagination. I would be more than happy to have anyone call me to find out more about our success with this tool. It is the best piece of equipment I have purchased in decades." |
| “This
tool was recommended to our shop. The increase of EVAP related check engine
lights and the regulation changes made this an important investment for
us. We have found leaks in EVAP canisters, manifolds, vacuum lines, and
in the exhaust system. We expect to make many repairs with this tool that
will add to our bottom line.
This is a well built, simple, and very portable tool.”
|
|
TOTAL-TECH Brock Temple Mercedes-Benz of
Long Beach Master Certified
|
“I have been a diagnostic technician for nearly 20 years. After I bought the smoke machine I was only disappointed that I didn’t find one years ago. I found a small hole in a brake booster that was causing a check engine light to come on. It would have taken alot longer to find than in just the few seconds that the smoke machine found it in.” |
TOTAL-TECH Thomas
Foley Midas International Itasca, IL
|
“The Smoke Pro Total Tech product was introduced to Midas in April of 2006. This tool was tested by some of our best technicians in the field with fantastic results. Redline Detection was invited to our 50th anniversary Midas convention to show the product to all the franchisee's. This tool was a big hit and one of the most exciting tools at the show. Midas has taken many orders for this tool with more to come. Redline is invited back to our upcoming shows and the Smoke Pro Total-Tech has easily earned the spot as the “Tool of the Month” on our Midas Portal.” |
TOTAL-TECH Mickey Szerlag Training Director Tuffy Assoc. Corp.
|
"I wanted to let you know that we love our new smoke machines! As you are aware, we received 2 machines, one we put in our company store in Toledo and the other is in Orlando. These machines have payed for themselves the 1st week we had them and our technicians reported fantastic results. As the training director for over 300 stores, I have the opportunity to test all of the equipment for our service centers and your smoke machine is by far the easiest to set-up and use and is the obvious choice. The technicians love the machine due to its ease of use and the thick smoke generated by your machine. Its small size, pressure decay feature, and low cost of operation based on the baby oil made this decision very simple. And all this for less that $1000, this is a must have tool for anyone performing engine performance service to their customers." |
| “We were sending a lot of customers away before the Smoke Pro. We knew that we were losing these customers and were a little embarrassed that we could not make the repairs. We love this tool, it works great, is very very simple to use, is fool proof, and has absolutely paid for itself in the month that we have had it. We have found gasket leaks 4 times, lots of EVAP leaks and many others. Our techs really hounded us for this and we are glad we now own it. I would definitely recommend this product to others.” | |
TOTAL-TECH Jeff
Wahl, Owner
|
“Price
was only a small factor when considering this tool. After seeing this
tool work we were sold. We compared the OTC and Motorvac but liked the
smoke production and the addition of the pressure gauge with the Smoke
Pro. We purchased this directly from Redline and have referred every dealer
we know to them. We highly recommend this tool to any technician or shop
owner. We have been running our business for over 19 years and only employ
ASE certified technicians. This tool definitely lives up to our high standards
in the repair of Foreign & Domestic vehicles. We immediately started
finding leaks and making repairs in our shop with this tool that we would
not have been able to do without the Redline Smoke Pro.
We also use this for our custom motorcycle business. We close of the front carburetor plates and hook up to the vacuum port, fill the intake manifold with smoke and find any gasket leaks. This product has definitely exceeded our expectations and Redlines customer service is fantastic. Great Tool, Great Service!” |
| To
Redline Detection
“I have been in the automotive equipment business since 1972 and have seen a lot of equipment come and go. I have sold many brands of smoke machines but the Smoke Pro is at the top of my list. It has the best quality and comes with everything you need unlike the other cheap plastic brands, and they cost twice as much. Best of all, the Smoke Pro only sells for $995.00 and it does both smoke and EVAP. It has a sensitive gauge for real diagnostics, tools for E-VAP connector, every adapter you could ever need, a fantastic halogen light, and it uses mineral Oil (baby oil). The Smoke Pro is the most powerful, simple to use, diagnostic tool you can buy. It can make those horrible OBD II problems go away.” |
|
TOTAL-TECH
Angelo
Campana (mbdoctor)
|
“Once
in awhile in my 35+ years in the automotive profession, there comes a
piece of diagnostic equipment on the market that is a REAL “Bang
for the Buck”. These products make my job as a professional Automotive
Technician profitable afterall, time is money and diagnostics are the
future of this industry. Being efficient and prepared as a diagnostician
is critical. Such diagnostic nightmares as lean fuel trim issues, EVAP
system leaks, and many other hard to find leaks are easily remedied with
the Smoke Pro from Redline Detection. Being that I have always been a “tool nut”, and always wanted to have the latest and the best, I found myself purchasing some tools by chance. My last purchase was a smoke machine from Snap-on Tools and was quite disappointed in its performance and frustrated at the high cost of purchasing smoke oil. That’s when I “got lucky” and found the Smoke Pro from Redline Detection. This little machine “Rocks” when it comes to performance, portability and price. Its performance in smoke output “blows away” the competition like SPX, OTC and all the aftermarket smoke machines that I have used and in some cases bought. The best part is that it uses baby oil! Efficient, affordable, and quality built in is what makes my job easier and more profitable. I have suggested to a number of professionals in the field to “use this one” for leak diagnostics. I consider this diagnostic tool to be the best in its class. We do European Automobile technical consulting training classes and I have traveled the US and Canada providing diagnostic training on VW, AUDI, Mercedes Benz, BMW and Volvo. Our company’s main focus is to aid independent repairs shops in repairing and servicing today's European Automobiles.” |
TOTAL-TECH Tim Weber
Toyota Dealership
|
Dear
Rich,
Thank you for the follow up and great service regarding our recent purchase. We have wanted a Smoke machine for our Muscatine location for some time. The size of this product and the very low cost of operation were obvious but the amount of smoke this makes and the simplicity really surprised us. We have another very large smoke machine that does not make nearly as much smoke and its bulky size makes it less functional. When we need the services of the Smoke Pro it comes through for us. You really have a great product here. The next time you hear from me will be to order another product for our other dealership. Thanks again |
TOTAL-TECH
Andrew
Sanchez |
“After
years of using makeshift leak detection devices we bought a Redline Smoke
Pro machine for several reasons, cost, recommendations and need. When
we first got the machine we used it on a transmission and intake manifold
and immediately we found the leaks. Since then we use it daily on any
possible thing that may leak air, vacuum, or oil. Now that we have the
machine it has become one of the first tools we reach for due to the ease
of use and size. The fact that it uses baby oil for its smoke makes refilling almost free and can be found at any store that sells baby oil. The quality and finish is top notch! The Redline Smoke Pro is also recommended by many members of a world wide BMW support group I belong to, The International Association of Independent BMW Service Professionals.” |
TOTAL-TECH Doug Saros ASE
Certified Master Technician
Jack Carroll Lincoln / Mercury Seattle, WA http://www.jackcarrollslincolnmercury.com/
|
Hi
Rich,
Even though I have only used my EVAP Smoke Pro a few times, it has come through and shown the leaks every time. It is very easy to set up and not cumbersome at all. When I am working on either an evaporative emission problem or a vehicle with a check engine light and air leak problem, if I have needed a smoke machine to pin down the diagnosis and show the faulty components, I have reached for my EVAP Smoke Pro. It is a very cost effective and simple solution to shops lacking this very special tool which, at this time would be hard to be without. I currently have ASE certs. in A6, A8 & L1 along with WA state emission certification and Ford Engine Performance as well as Electrical systems certificates. Thank you |
TOTAL-TECH
ASE
Certified Master Tech
|
“We
had a Vacutec smoke machine in our shop and recently replaced it with
a Smoke Pro. The Smoke Pro has a much thicker volume of Smoke that is
controllable and also has pressure decay capabilities. The thicker smoke
definitely makes the leaks easier to see. Years ago un metered air codes
were the majority of leaks found in our shop, now about 75% of the leaks
found are EVAP related.
Mainly this tool is a time saver. EVAP repairs that once took many hours can now be fixed with a smoke machine much more quickly. We just did a Jeep with an EVAP leak in the wheel well that we fixed in about 15 minutes. This repair would have been difficult at best but probably not possible with out smoke. Our average labor cost is $80.00-$120.00 to repair an EVAP leak. I have found every EVAP leak so far and have not been let down yet. Nowadays some hoses can cost $60.00-$70.00 to replace. I can show my customer the leaking hose before I replace them so they are comfortable with the repair and I am much more confident and accurate with my estimates when the Smoke Pro diagnoses the problem first. Not having to disassemble a car to get to a part that may not be the cause of the problem is a major advantage. In dash leaks are also simple with a hook up to a vacuum supply line. We do what is right for our customers and this has definitely helped our business grow over the long run. We get cars in our shop often with check engine lights that were reset by local repair shops that could not make the repair. We are very happy to fix those cars.” |
TOTAL-TECH Arne Jensen
|
“The
Smoke Pro is not just for finding vacuum leaks. I had a Chevy Truck with
a water pump leaking out as fast as you could pour water into the radiator.
I put the Smoke Pro into the filler neck of the radiator and found intake
gaskets leaking when the smoke began pouring out from the rear of the
engine. One estimate is better than calling the customer after repairs
and telling them a much more expensive leak has been found now that the
pump has been replaced. Exhaust leaks, EVAP leaks, Rotary vacuum switches on GM’s HVAC controls are a snap. My advise, get one.” |
TOTAL-TECH Jeff
Livingston
http://www.wggarage.mechanicnet.com/
|
“I
purchased the Smoke Pro about 2 months ago after extensive research for
about 2 years. Every other machine was kind of vehicle manufacture specific
and very costly. After I saw an ad for The Smoke Pro in the Tools and
Equipment magazine I called and talked with their staff several times
and the assured me they had the best machine that would work on about
any vehicle and work properly. The cost and up keep was about a third
or less than any thing else I’ve seen. Not only does this machine
look totally professional it works like a Pro. All my Techs have been
very impressed with this product and have made all our EVAP code’s
a breeze to find instead of sending to the dealership. We have been in
Business for 34 years and this is one of the best return on investment
products I have ever purchased. No more guess work, and I assure you,
you will not find a better quality made piece of equipment that works
every-time for this Price!!!! They have even called me several times to
make sure it is working properly or did we have any questions about how
anything worked. Great Staff and Company.” |
TOTAL-TECH John
Spofford
|
“The
Smoke Pro saves me time with a quick setup. I use the Variety of attachments
to produce a thick smoke very fast with minimal warm up time. It has
saved both the shop and our customer’s time which we normally
would have spent searching for leaks using “old time” leak
detection methods. Update from John - Jan 2007 Just wanted you guys to know 2 Years now with the smoke pro and its still Pumping the juice !!! Works awesome and its getting used alot !!! I actually found a SEAL leak in an Axle seal with this thing !!! Great Machine !!! |
TOTAL-TECH Johnny Valenta
|
“The
Smoke Pro is an absolute must have tool for ALL the EVAP and vacuum leak
testing we need to do. I believe that the portability and size is the
single biggest reason to buy one, but the fact that I don't have to put
a second mortgage on my house to buy smoke oil doesn't hurt either.
All the techs
in our shop love using it and we have had absolutely no trouble with
it. Oh and by the way, the technical department at Redline Detection is filled with exceptionally knowledgeable people who truly care how happy you will be with your purchase. In my experience dealing with them, they are serious professionals with an outstanding product.” |
TOTAL-TECH
Matt
Stricklin
|
“I
knew I needed a smoke machine. Every time I read the message boards I
would hear about another tech solving another difficult leak issue with
a smoke machine. Call me cheap but I just could not see spending up to
$3000 and more for this "limited use" tool, not to mention the
hefty charges for their proprietary smoke chemicals. I mean, I've got
carburetor cleaner right? That leak is down there somewhere on this 12
cylinder. But then I started hearing about the Smoke Pro from Redline,
and it was under $1000 bucks! So I got one, what the heck, it uses baby
oil. Originally, I thought it would just hang out in the corner with my
other "this is gonna make us money" tools. I was wrong. Anything
that leaks I can find with smoke. Now closed systems that have to be sealed
like EVAP and tanks (those gas fumes complaints) are a piece of cake now.
We feel like a hero to our customers that have been living with leaks
and nobody else has been able to find it. You know those annoying gas
tank leaks that you tell the customer to fill up the tank before they
bring it in, those days are gone. Now when those "trouble",
EVAP and vacuum leak cars come in I say to the guys "Smoke it!"
The pressure gauge will let me find those really annoying small leaks
with a decay test (it doesn't get anymore accurate and simple than this).
Here's the short list of things we fix with our Smoke Pro: Gas
tanks, exhaust, EVAP (of course we love P0442 now), exhaust systems,
complete system (block off exhaust and use cone for air boot, we turn
the cone backwards for those difficult vane air meters), washer reservoirs,
trunks that leak water, interior water leaks and wind noise, smoke is
used from the outside of the car, even leaking tail light assemblies.
I can fix rough Idling cars and have the car purring like a kitten usually
in 5-10 minutes. With a little ingenuity the things you can fix with
this are endless. The money makers are the EVAP leaks you fix that have
been to the other shops and the dealers; those customers send you the
great referrals because you are their new hero. I have done repairs
that have been $1200.00 in labor alone because I have the Smoke Pro.
Don't let the word get out if you're in Las Vegas, you don't need one,
and they don't work :) I CAN HONESTLY SAY THE SMOKE PRO IS THE ONLY
PIECE OF EQUIPMENT I OWN THAT PAID FOR ITSELF IN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS!
And my cheap a** would pay $5000 for this machine. (They should give
free in-shop trials and not tell you the price) You don’t know
what you are missing unless you have one. |
TOTAL-TECH James Healey
|
"I am a technician that takes my work very seriously. I invested in this tool from my own pocket and researched the subject carefully. The Smoke Pro saves me time with a quick hook up to Evap, intake, and exhaust systems. The smoke output is great and makes leaks easy to locate. The small light weight design is great and a lot easier to use and handle than the other competitors. I've located lots of different leaks in the Evap system including warped exhaust manifolds and cracked intakes. This tool has exceeded my expectations and impressed me every time I've used it. It's cut down on alot of diagnostic time. I've checked the cost of other items and this was the lowest cost and it's well worth the cost. The smoke pro has been a great investment in making me money, the amount of smoke output is phenomenal and the fact that I don't have to purchase nitrogen makes it more cost effective, the Redline staff has been very friendly and helpful with all my questions in purchasing the item."
|
TOTAL-TECH Mike
Bressi Owner (Service Writer)
|
“This
tool saves us a tremendous amount of time. We considered a Vacutec and
an OTC but decided on the Smoke Pro after a demo from our tool rep. We
have since diagnosed many leaks that were easy to fix. This machine is
very simple to use. We charge $69.00 for a scan test and then $70.00 to
perform the smoke test when needed. We are getting more and more EVAP
codes and this tool makes those repairs possible. A typical EVAP repair
for us could average $200.00-$300.00. It is not cost effective for us
to guess when making repairs. We use Mitchell on Demand and usually only
know the area of the problem. The Smoke Pro tells us dead on exactly where
the problem leak is. We no longer beat our heads against the wall trying
to figure out the problem and life is a lot simpler. We will never spray
carb cleaner again near ignition circuitry trying to find leaks.
We recently found a split seal around a fuel pump module that mounts in the tank on a S10 Chevy. The factory pump had never been replaced but still the seal was bad. In a few minutes I located the leak using a mirror. The repair was obvious and simple. On a Ford Excursion test we found an EVAP leak in a hose near the back of the Fuel tank that was easy to access. Using the Flow Meter we could see the ball floating about midway up on the flow meter. I put my thumb over the leak and watched the ball move to the bottom of the flow meter; we also closed the flow control valve and watched the pressure hold on the gauge. This showed us that this was the leak causing the problem. It is so simple to do a quick test like this and then to verify the fix. The pressure gauge and flow meter are fantastic. The yellow cap plugs for blocking intakes are a great set. The brass adaptor hooks up right away to the EVAP service port. This machine makes very thick smoke that is easy to spot with the light. This really is a great product and it has really helped us in our business!” Sincerely |
TOTAL-TECH Andy Cawelti
|
Regarding
my Smoke Pro smoke machine.
“You have read the articles, showing how much time a smoke machine will save you in detecting leaks in intake manifolds, exhaust systems, and evaporative systems. It is true; a smoke machine has become a great tool for today's mechanic. I purchased a Smoke Pro Smoke Machine. One of the first vehicles it was used on was a late model Ford truck with fault codes P0171 and P0174 (lean exhaust at both banks). Directing smoke into the intake manifold, I quickly found a large leak under the throttle body in the PCV hose. I have been pleased with the ability to find exhaust leaks. You know the car; it just came from the local muffler shop with a bright new catalytic converter. You just "know" there is an exhaust leak, but where is it? The smoke machine finds the leaks quickly and without any doubts. The Smoke Pro machine has saved me significant time, since I can prove a system does or doesn’t leak. This has been useful when diagnosing Evaporative systems. Does the evaporative line leak, how can I tell without removing the inner fender or…? You know the drill. I have been pleasantly surprised at how useful the tool can be. I am very pleased with my purchase, and would recommend the Smoke Pro smoke machine to my fellow technicians. This smoke machine has proven itself to be practical, reliable, and a truly "useful tool" in my toolbox.” |
TOTAL-TECH Robert Walicki,
|
“I
have been considering a Smoke Machine for a while now and the price, along
with the EVAP capabilities is what led us to purchase this tool. The Smoke
Pro has saved me time on numerous occasions and has definitely added to
our bottom line. The Smoke Pro is easy to operate and set up. It has helped
me considerably in finding those annoying and hard to find EVAP and vacuum
leaks in record time and a whole lot safer than the propane and carb cleaner
methods used by most. The Smoke Pro is great for finding exhaust and oil
leaks.
Thanks for making such a great machine!” |
TOTAL-TECH Eric
S. Thompson
|
“I have seen the Smoke Pro advertised in Professional Tool and Motor Age Magazine. I asked my local tool dealer to show me this product and I made the purchase. Since I make my living with my tools this was an important decision. I am glad I decided to buy this one. I have used a Vacutec but was more impressed with the size and the user friendly features of the Smoke Pro. This is the right tool for many of my jobs and the Smoke Pro definitely gets the job done every time” |
TOTAL-TECH Bob Powell
|
“The
first thing that peaked my interest in the Smoke Pro was the price, but
that’s not the reason I love the tool. The Smoke Pro is truly one
of the best tools I ever bought because of its quality and functionality.
The tool really excels at what it is designed to do.
For general smoke testing and EVAP system testing, the tool incorporates all the features I need in one solid compact unit. The features that set this tool apart from all the others, I believe, are the integrated pressure gauge calibrated in inches of water and the “Flow Control” valve. The built in pressure gauge allows me to do pressure decay tests without having to hook up a separate gauge. No extra parts, fittings or adapters needed. The “flow control valve” comes in very handy when locating very small leaks. I can dial down the flow rate enough so that the smoke will be visible exiting the tiny leak. When smoking an EVAP system, I typically start with a very high volume setting until I start to see smoke. Then I adjust the flow valve down very low so I can pinpoint the source of the leak. The tool is
compact, very portable, ruggedly built, has several valuable features
built in and works flawlessly. That’s why I love the Smoke Pro.” |
TOTAL-TECH
Chuck
Benhart
|
My
supplier dropped this tool off for me to try and I was skeptical. When
he came back to get the tool to show another shop, I would not let him
have it. He asked me why and I told him, because I just bought it. This
tool really knocks out these EVAP codes. The Smoke Pro did not give me
any false readings and did not waiste my time. Therefore the job is done
right and the customer is tickled pink. Next car please! The last work order I wrote was for a 2001 Dodge Caravan with 74k miles on it. I did a level one and two diagnosis, smoked it with the Smoke Pro and found three leaks. It would have taken me forever to find these leaks. Thanks to the Smoke Pro it was quick to pin point them and to verify the job was done. The customer was charged $273.00 and they were happy because their car was repaired right the first time. I went to lunch recently and my techs had an EVAP repair diagnosed and repaired before I returned, thanks to the Smoke Pro. This is a tool you cannot get by without in today’s shop! Love it! Oh, the fact that this does not require any expensive fluid to operate is a great bonus. It is simple to use and anyone in my shop can operate it. |
James E. Zych Zych’s Certified
Auto
|
We are an A.S.E Certified Auto Repair Shop in business for 30 years with 4 certified mechanics with top of the line tools and equipment. When Code PO422 would be displayed in our Modis, we would all say, “Oh no, not that code”. Now that we have the smoke machine it is just another profit maker. When diagnosing, it is just as important to know what is not causing a problem. With the Smoke Pro we can rule out a possible vacuum leak. When a car comes in, running rough with no check engine light on, we start out with a smoke machine before we grab our Modis (scanner). The machine really has paid for itself. Thanks
for a quality product at a fair price. |
TOTAL-TECH Ramone Pesina Paul's Automotive ASE Certified Master Technician Torrance, CA
|
"This
is the best piece of equipment I have purchased in 10 years and is something
I use everyday. Our shop purchased a new engine analyzer for $10,000 and
I make more money with the Smoke Pro! We do a lot of headers and this tool pinpoints exactly where the leaks are. We do lots of oil leaks also. We steam clean the motor and find leaks near the rear main seals, valves, intake manifolds etc. We just stand back and man it finds the leaks. We sold 4 or 5 main seal jobs, done 4 or so EVAP repairs, vacuum leaks are no problem, we will try this tool anywhere. It paid for itself in 4-6 weeks no problem." |
TOTAL-TECH Al Schrama AJS Autoservices Vineland NJ
|
“I
looked at the Snap-On machine a while back and even went to a class on
the subject, The cost was very high, (about $2800.00) They explained it
as ROI (return on investment) I just thought it was too expensive. They
don’t really explain all the extra costs like the oil or nitrogen
set-up. I already had an OTC Smoke machine that was not an EVAP machine.
When this stopped working I ordered the EVAP Smoke Pro and I am glad I
did. I have been using the Smoke Pro for over a year now and probably
use it a minimum of twice a week. I am pretty confident this thing pays
for itself every month. The price really was a factor and made sense for
me. The time it saves is the most important part but the size is what
I like most. I have a small shop and don’t need another bulky piece
of equipment. This product is simple and I definitely approve its use for EVAP and vacuum leaks. At first I thought the EVAP leaks would be the majority of repairs but the vacuum leaks are where I really write the most tickets.” |
TOTAL-TECH Brian Smith Lead Tech T.S. Specialties West Chicago IL
|
“I
am a believer! This tool works like a dream and we have made alot of money
with this thing. We had to do something because of the amount of EVAP
codes we were getting. We demoed a Motorvac for 2 weeks but sent it back
after using the Smoke Pro. We just fell in love with this tool. The Motorvac
felt like a big empty plastic box and had a price that was well, way to
high. The Smoke Pro has a heavy well built sturdy feel to it but still
in a much more compact design, it runs off mineral oil and it is not complicated.
The Smoke Pro also made thicker smoke which made leaks quicker to find.
We have already recommended this tool to other shops and will continue
to do so. Great
Tool, Thanks!!” |
TOTAL-TECH Kim Peterson Expert Tire
Medford OR
|
“This is a statement about a new product that we recently purchased called the Smoke Pro. We bought this to help find those hard to find fuel evaporative system leaks but to our surprise the variety of things this tool can be used on is endless. For example, I was working on a 97 Ford Windstar with a 3.8L. Codes: P0171 System Too Lean (bank 1) & P0174 System Too Lean (bank 2). It took about 5 minutes to connect the unit to the air tube and start. Seen vacuum leaks from the plastic intake manifold gasket, the idle control motor (at the seam) & the EGR valve. On a 2000 Nissan Maxima the customer complained the he has had problems with the check engine coming on for the last two years. He took it to the dealer and was informed that it was the Evap canister. With the help of a flow chart and the Smoke Pro, I determined that the problem was an Evap pressure sensor and not the over $400.00 canister that the dealer was trying to sell him. On another Ford Windstar, with the vehicle moving up on the rack and the Smoke Pro connected, I had smoke coming out from an Evap hose and a control valve before I could get the vehicle up in the air. I had to turn the flow down because it works to good. While working in a busy repair shop, you need things to help cut down the time spent on diagnostic repairs. The Smoke Pro is that type of tool. It is not just for vacuum leaks, but for exhaust leeks, intake leaks and it can be used to find water leaks around wind shields and much much more. In the short time that I have used the Smoke Pro, is has paid for it self time and time again just in the time that it has saved me. I thank Smoke Pro for this easy to use tool and find it even better that it uses mineral oil or baby oil to create smoke. Thanks again.” |
TOTAL-TECH Bob Cornwell ASE Master Technician G&C Automotive Gainesville, VA
|
After
borrowing this tool from another shop 2x, and realizing how user-friendly
this smoke machine is, I've decided to purchase one of my own - now I
can't be without it!! It's ease of use and portability make it a valuable
addition to my tool collection.
Thank you! |
TOTAL-TECH Gagik Nazaryan,
|
"Since I started using the Smoke Pro I have found way more leaks than before and its so easy and fast to use. I love it! It makes me money"
|
TOTAL-TECH Thom Minor, Owner
|
“Minors Auto recently purchased a Smoke Pro smoke machine for testing EVAP systems. Since the purchase, we've also used it for finding broken exhaust manifolds, various exhaust leaks and engine and transmission oil leaks. The machine has performed flawlessly and at 1/3 the price of the major machines. Price was definitely a factor for this purchase, but the machine has actually exceeded our expectations in everyday use. We highly recommend this unit. Thanks for such a great product.” |
TOTAL-TECH Mike
Montgomery |
“We live in a harsh climate where cars components are more susceptible to corrosion. We have replaced filler necks and rotted fuel tanks that are very simple to diagnose with the Smoke Pro. This tool can surprise you by finding problems you did not suspect. We would recommend this tool to our friends.” |
|
TOTAL-TECH John Fisher, Owner ASE Certified Master Tech Metric Motors of San Francisco
|
"We
first thought a Smoke Machine was like a gimmick… After borrowing
one we knew it was really needed in our business. We have paid for our Total-Tech the first week we owned it. We repaired a 2000 C44 Porsche 996, this one had bad crankcase breather hose. We had to pull the motor, so it was a about a $1600.00 repair. We found a large vacuum hose leaking in a 1980 MB 450SL under the intake manifold, this was about a $900.00 job and 1998 540I BMW had a bad throttle body gasket and resulted in a $300-$400.00 job. After 20 years
without one this is a tool we cannot live without." |
TOTAL-TECH Mike Marks, Service Manager Honda of Superstition Springs Mesa, AZ
|
“We have been using the Smoke Pro in our shop and are very happy with this tool. In the past we would have to order another larger smoke machine form our home office just to find a leak in a car. This process was long, expensive, and inconvenient for the customer. This tool literally paid for itself the first 2 repairs and really simplifies the whole process. Every one of our dealerships should have one of these Smoke Pro’s. They are simple, very effective and cost very little to operate because of the baby oil.” |
TOTAL-TECH Oscar Silva ASE L1 Master Tech
Honda of Superstition Springs Mesa, AZ |
“We
have been using the Smoke Pro (Total - Tech) in our dealership and find
it to be a valuable tool. We locate leaks that would very difficult
to locate without smoke. We just recently
found a very small leak caused by a tiny a screw that pierced the top
of a gas tank when the customer had a sound system installed about seven
years ago. This was a 1998 Civic. The screw eventually wore a hole through
the top of the tank. We also located a cracked hose on a recirculation
valve above a tank on a 2001 Accord. You should also make sure the tank
is no more than ¾ full so that leaks around the filler neck and
upper portion of the EVAP system can be seen. The pressure gauge is
really important. Any size leak can be detected with this pressure gauge
even leaks that will not show up on the flow meter. This tool makes
great smoke but uses little oil. This is really a great and simple tool
that solves many of our problems.” |
| The
Smoke Pro from Redline is one of the best tools this Tool Junkie purchased
all year. We played around with a few others but were really sold by an
enthusiastic instructor from a CTI class who highly recommended the product.
We are very impressed with the over all quality of this tool.
We do primarily exhaust in our shop and we use this to confirm
leaks around heat shields and other areas. This tool quickly confirms
many times what we already know but also saves us a lot of trouble when
the problem is something else . |
|
TOTAL-TECH Brian Lesher BSL Tools and Equipment Pennsburg, PA
|
Hey
Rich, I wanted to let you know that my first customers Scott and Earl have called me just to let me know that this has been the best money making tool that I have sold them. What a feeling!!! I could not have done it without your product. I will be ordering more from you very soon.
Thanks for all your help and support! |
TOTAL-TECH Bill Point
|
Hi
Rich “Just wanted you to know how pleased I am with my Smoke Pro. It is every thing you said it was PLUS ++. My friend who runs a shop down the road called and said he had a ford pick up with 5.0 and had been trying to find a vacuum leak but no luck finding it. He wanted to know if he sent his wife with the pick up would I help him. I said sure with him not knowing about my Smoke Pro. She was all eyes when I hooked up and showed her 3 vacuum leaks, an EGR gasket, an IAC, and a TPS leak. That’s why my friend had problems, he had 3 leaks but with Smoke Pro it made the job a piece of cake. |
TOTAL-TECH Stan
Shephard Owner
|
“We
have been servicing vehicles in our community for 18 years. We consider
ourselves “drivability experts” and provide comprehensive
service for Buick, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Dodge, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz,
Honda, Volvo and many others. We use the Smoke Pro Total-Tech several
times a week and save time in diagnosing these vehicles. EVAP code issues
are quickly diagnosed and fixed with a quick hook up to the Smoke Pro.
Push one button and look for the leak. The pressure gauge lets us check
our work after making an EVAP repair.”
Shephard’s High-Tech Automotive Excellence |
TOTAL-TECH Dan
Wozniak |
Tech Shop Magazine “This machine is very compact and works excellent, you can find a vacuum leak or evaporative system leak and many other types of leaks in minutes.” |
TOTAL-TECH D J Periana
|
“I don’t buy things just to spend money. We bought several Smoke Pro’s to use in our service bays because they are quick, easy to use, and get the job done. Our technicians really like this tool. We sell and service Audi, BMW, Hummer, Land Rover, Maserati, Porsche, Subaru, and Volkswagen.” |
TOTAL-TECH Dennis Arney
|
“Recently
a 99 Ford Explorer with 100k miles rode hard and put up wet came in. It
had just been to a competitors for repair. I knew it had a blown head
gasket but I couldn’t see it to be sure. I dropped the water level
below where the head gaskets were and put smoke through the radiator.
I removed the spark plugs and found the leak in piston #1. This piston
was seeping water at the head gasket. Also, if the radiator is completely
dry you can see any radiator leaks.
We just got A Crown Vic with an intake just replaced from another shop. The customer had already spent $900.00. This car was still losing water and had a vacuum leak, My scanner said PO 175 confirming this. I used the Smoke Pro and found the rubber o ring was missed that went around the purge valve or the map sensor, the other shop also used silicone as a gasket which was not sealing correctly. I made the repairs and then re-smoked it confirming the repair. I have done repairs using this tool that have been $3500.00 tickets. Most of our repairs are for Ford’s and Dodges and any time I see a car with a plastic intake manifold I see $$$$ signs. You can use this tool for just about anything. The Smoke Pro will cut your time spent diagnosing these cars in half. Originally I borrowed a Smoke Pro from my brother then he took it back. Now I can’t go one day without having this tool in my shop.” |
TOTAL-TECH Graham
Cruickshank
|
“A
manufacturer brought me a smoke machine to try in my shop. It was a large
plastic unit that looked like a battery charger and was complicated. This
tool sat in a corner with our other equipment and was not a tool I really
wanted to buy. Another dealer brought me a Smoke Pro Total Tech. The Smoke
Pro is small and ready to use. It hangs a few feet from the cars I am
fixing and is right there when I need it. Fast, simple and costs practically
nothing to operate. The Smoke Pro dealer was not pushy at all and said
to try it. He had sold Smoke Pro’s to shops I knew and I called
them, each of them told me without hesitation to buy it. Now when others
try mine, they get one too. I think the reason why I like this tool is it makes me a lot of money. I can find problems in sometimes 30 seconds without guessing or spending way too much time on these cars which are now common in our shop. EVAP codes, Lean Codes, Vacuum leaks, really any leaking condition is knocked out with this tool. This is a real diagnostic tool. The pressure gauge allows me to confirm if a leak exists or does not exist without smoke. If the EVAP system I am testing is not decaying on the gauge, I have my answer. No leak and no need to even make smoke. As emissions standards change, I am confident that these smaller leaks can be detected with decay. You can’t depend on just a flow meter to verify leaks anymore. One interesting repair that is pretty common now for us are VW TDI Diesels. Leaks often exist in the Flex Pipe that connects the exhaust to the header. Internal cracks show instantly by putting the exhaust cone in the exhaust pipe. $300.00 repairs are normal for this tool. my dealer also bragged about the service and tech support at Redline. I have called them and know I made the right decision. They are very helpful and will do anything for their customers. They put their phone number on the machine and answer the phone." |
TOTAL-TECH Hersh
Khan
|
“Almost
any car that comes in to our shop is a candidate to get “smoked”.
If there is any chance at all the car has an idling issue, EVAP code,
it gets smoked. The Modis I use tells me what it is supposed to be, the
Smoke Pro makes it final for repair. This tool keeps me and my other techs
here head ache free from these typical repairs. We use this three of four
times a week and repairs can average $150.00 to $600.00. I just had an 86 Chevy Blazer with a V6 in, hooked the Smoker up to the brake booster line, sealed the intakes, within 5 minutes I found a very tiny leak in the PCV valve. Typical repair diagnosed in minutes. I have found two AC leaks, (the gross leaks when you can’t pull a vacuum or when there is no Freon). This tool works really fast, once the smoke is in the system, it is common to find a leak in 5 seconds to 1 minute. I am really glad my tool dealer showed me this tool. There is nothing like it. The DVD that came with it really explains it in a few minutes. I called Redline with a question and hung up before they answered, they “caller ID’d” me back to help me and it was after 5:00! Great service!” |
TOTAL-TECH John
Spence |
Redline,
I have used the Smoke Pro two times since I received it and what a great investment. I have only had it less than a week. I had a 97 Pontiac Grand Prix in the bay with a 3.8 liter, the customer complained about a rough idle and SES light on. Within two minutes we had the problem diagnosed, a cracked vacuum nipple at the throttle body, GREAT! Here’s the best part, with out your product, this would have taken a 1/2 can of carb clean and fifteen or twenty minutes time and would have probably satisfied the customer with a $75 or $80 dollar ticket generated But… I removed the nipple and plugged the port, fired up the big red money maker (again to check my work), and found the upper intake leaking also! I then replaced the upper intake manifold and turned a $75 to $80 dollar repair into a $475.00 repair, thanks again!! The second repair was an EVAP leak in an 04 Escape. Within minutes I found the vent solenoid leaking, repaired it and performed leak down test… still small decay, so, I smoked it again and found leak at fuel pump/sender pump. Again, I gained more profit and more importantly saved a come back!!!! |
TOTAL-TECH Paul
Gulfki (281) 380 6968 Phone |
“I
tell my customers I have a tool that blows smoke and they think I am kidding.
I tell them if there is a leak I will find it with this tool.
Having sold this as a tool dealer in the past, I am familiar with various smoke machines and the Smoke Pro Total-Tech is the only one I will use in my shop. This is a real technicians tool that works and is like a little insurance policy when repairing cars. The Smoke Pro diagnosis them for quick repair and leaves no doubts. If anyone wants to call me, I am here to tell them anything they want to know about this tool.”
|
TOTAL-TECH Rob
Castellana |
Don
In January, a 1999 Cadillac Deville came in with
the ses light on. We interfaced with the on-board computer and code
P0442 was present. Evap system leak detected. We connected our Total-Tech
Smoke Pro machine and within a minute, smoke was bellowing out from
under the rear of the car. A closer inspection, and the smoke was coming
from above the fuel tank. With our customer’s approval, we lowered
the fuel tank to find that not only smoke coming from the sending unit
gasket but fuel has also been leaking for a while. Today, we had a 1996 Mercury Mystique with a check engine light on. We interfaced with the on-board computer and 2 codes were present. P0171 and P0174 – system too lean banks 1 and 2. Knowing that a vacuum leak can produce both above codes, we connected our Smoke Pro machine and quickly found that the upper intake manifold gasket was leaking. We replaced the gasket and re-checked for leaks. All good. Cleared both codes and road tested. The Smoke Pro Total-Tech is quickly becoming one of the most effective diagnostic tools in our shop. Thanks Don! |
TOTAL-TECH Al and Art AL
Automotive and Repair
|
Snap-On
has a more expensive bulky unit that needed extra cylinders, a cart, a
regulator and expensive oils. We saw the Smoke Pro Total – Tech
and bought it right away. It was ready to go right out of the box after
putting on the hook and gauge. You can tell when you look at this tool
that it is really built well. We also like that it is simple, small, and
has only one button on the tool, “on” and “off”.
The pressure gauge does leak down testing so you can determine the system
is airtight and fixed right. You can also turn the smoke up and down with
the knob.
Now we do repairs that mean $200.00, $300.00 and even $600.00 tickets for our shop. Repairs we were routinely sending away before. When we need oil, we go to the drug store and spend a few dollars for mineral oil. Nothing compares to the Smoke Pro! |
“We
have testimonials coming in often, please check back to read more”. |
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