==> If you have done a smoke test on your engine, please share your experiences with the rest of us.
==> If you never heard of a smoke test, I can point you in the right direction to learn more about it; and after you watch a few videos you may even decide to make your own smoke machine!
It’s like they say: “What you don’t know can hurt you!”
…So do a smoke test and sleep better knowing your air delivery system & exhaust system don’t have leak; I.e., if you don’t see smoke, then there’s a good bet you don’t have any leaks.
Note: If your ISC-350 does not have 24” of boost, you might have a leak in your cold/warm air delivery system; or maybe the turbo hose is cracked.
Note: If your bedroom is warmer than you think it should be, after driving your RV, then you might have an exhaust leak. This happened to be, but Cummins said the exhaust gasket was the problem, and it only leaked when I accelerated. They wanted me to buy a new manifold (a $2,000 repair), but when I told them to just mill or belt sand the flange and put some new gaskets on… they balked, but did as I asked. That was 40,000 miles ago! …But I was grateful they found the leak. Note: It took 1 person driving and one person listening and feeling round the exhaust manifold to find it. And then my bedroom was not as hot.
BTW: Has anyone ever used a turbo blanket to cut down on the heat off the exhaust manifold and/or the turbo?
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TEST #1) The hot-side smoke test: Based on applying smoke to your exhaust pipe – primarily used to find exhaust manifold cracks or leaks in the muffler and turbo down pipe. (This guy got a surprise!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=kmwDGbTqA9Q
TEST #2) The cold-side smoke test: Based on testing everything on the compressor side of your turbo, Charge Air Cooler (CAC), and air delivery tubing leading to the engine intake manifold – primarily used to find cracks in the rubber boots and/or band clamps.
Note: A smoke test NOT the same performing a vacuum test for these reasons: A vacuum test will confirm there is or is not a leak in a “closed system”…like your air conditioning lines vs. the smoke test that will show you were the leak is in an “open system” …like your exhaust system and air delivery system. (It’s an open - somewhere due to the valves being open.)
==> I think it’s possible to make own smoke machine at home… for cheap! …And maybe some of you may think it’s even fun! For example: Maybe you can do this project with your grandson or granddaughter?
Just take a look at these videos for ideas on how to build your own smoke machine with a soldering iron, old sock, and some mineral oil. Then take a plastic soda bottle to use as a tailpipe “tube stopper” or invent your own. Have fun and good luck!
Video #1: How to use a smoke machine:
Video #2: How to use a professional smoke machine on your RV exhaust:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=kmwDGbTqA9Q
Video #3: How to build your own smoke machine:
https://youtu.be/EhNQiIRsCCk
Please post your results! …And if you find a leak, please tell us how you fixed it?
For those of you who believe in the “right tool for the right job,” you might want to order some of these parts:
Smoke Kit (12V):
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=UTOOL+SDT...ref=nb_sb_noss
Smoke Kit (Air Compressor Style):
https://www.amazon.com/AutoLine-Pro-...968411&sr=8-13
Automotive Cap Plug Kit: (1/8 to 4") $28
https://www.amazon.com/AutoLine-Pro-...4968068&sr=8-3
5" inflatable block off bladder ($36)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...k_ql_qh_dp_hza
TURBO LEAK TESTER (Just for grins.)
https://www.amazon.com/Turbo-Boost-L...4968730&sr=8-4