Awesome piece of diagnostic equipment

Best diagnostic smoke machine yet. Compared to matco and snap on, this puts out as much or more that the leading brands. Digital interface gives all the options you need. Sturdy case makes it stand up to any beatings it takes. Well worth the money

I ordered this ANCEL L8000 Automotive Smoke Machine because I own an old car. I need to be able to do some repairs to it myself, or, in the past, I would get my son to do them. I almost did not order this smoke machine. I first watched a video to see if I could use it by myself in case my son was too busy.The video that I watched was about a totally different smoke machine that is unrelated to this Ancel L8000. I watched the video while I waited for my son to respond to my text about whether or not he thought that I should order this Ancel L8000. He was at work so it took him some time to get back to me.In the video about that other smoke machine it was mentioned that in order to use that smoke machine shop air was required. I don't have access to shop air so I wanted to find out from the sales page whether or not this Ancel L8000 smoke machine also required shop air. From what I could gather, it did not.I decided not to wait on a reply from my son and to go ahead and order this smoke machine simply because my car is old. When my son did eventually reply he said yes order it because he's been wanting a smoke machine for a long time. Haha! Kids! I loaned him my 10' canopy so he could swap out a transmission in a car. He left the canopy out and open in the yard and the wind destroyed it. I could use that canopy to test this smoke machine...As it stands my son has now moved hundreds of miles away so I now have no choice but to put my car in the shop or learn how to do the easier repairs myself. My car is currently having an issue that this smoke machine might be able to diagnose.After starting my car it dies and I have to restart it sometimes more than once. I am aware that my starter is aging and I do have a new starter standing by in case the problem is the starter going out. I am not sure because it does start eventually so far, so I asked the internet why my car dies after starting and I learned that the problem could also be an issue with the fuel system.This ANCEL L8000 Automotive Smoke Machine does not include usage instructions for specific vehicles, users must find the usage instructions for their own vehicle. From what I gather there is a green cap beneath the hood on the driver's side and an access point near the gas cap that are used in the operation of this smoke machine.It is suggested that it's best to put the vehicle on a lift when using this smoke machine.This smoke machine seems to come with everything else that is needed to operate it.One thing that I don't like about this is that the smoke machine itself is encased in a plastic box with a carry handle but the accessories come in a separate fabric container with a carry handle. I would prefer it if the machine and the accessories were in the same container so that they don't get separated.I have not yet been able to fully test this ANCEL L8000 Automotive Smoke Machine, and, since my son the mechanic is no longer living nearby, it may be awhile before I do get the chance. Since everything appears to be in order I will rate this smoke machine four stars. I reserve the right to update my review at a future time.Edit: My 20 year old Impala finally needed this smoke machine! My son used it to find a vacuum leak in the vacuum harness. It took about 10 minutes and it saved me having to bring my car to the shop. The connector on the vacuum harness is rubber I think and my son said its partially dry rotted. For now he cleaned up the edges and I am still using the old connector. Since I have finally been able to see this smoke machine in use, and, now that I have seen how quick and simple it it to use, I am updating my rating to five stars,

The L8000 Automotive Smoke Machine by ANCEL, is an easy and effective way to test for leaks in anything from your high pressure turbo to the low pressure side of the intake or even HVAC systems. It’s easy to use and adjust, small size to accommodate smaller locations, comes in a heavy duty case that feels well-built and comes with a digital screen on the front to help with precision. It also includes all the hoses and adapters needed for most testing needs.Overall, I’m super happy with this little powerhouse machine. It’s so helpful for automotive repairs and has even been handy for my HVAC system in the house to find a leak. I’ll be sure to update this review, if I ever start to have problems with it.You can trust that this review is simply my honest opinion that is attempting to provide you with helpful insight that I wish I had before I picked this product. Hopefully it was helpful in your decision.

The ANCEL L8000 Automotive Smoke Machine is an exceptional tool for anyone involved in automotive diagnostics, whether you're a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast. This dual-mode diagnostic leak tester offers precise and reliable performance for both EVAP and turbo systems, making it an indispensable addition to any workshop. Here’s why this smoke machine stands out:**1. Dual Mode Functionality: The ANCEL L8000 is designed for dual-mode operation, allowing it to effectively diagnose both EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System) and turbo systems. This versatility ensures that you can address a wide range of potential issues in various vehicle systems.**2. Built-in Air Pump: Equipped with a built-in air pump, the L8000 eliminates the need for an external air source, making it more convenient and efficient to use. The integrated pump ensures consistent and reliable smoke generation for accurate leak detection.**3. Color LCD Display: The color LCD screen provides clear and easy-to-read information about the system’s status and diagnostic data. The display is user-friendly and helps you quickly interpret results, streamlining the diagnostic process.**4. Adjustable Pressure & Run Time: This smoke machine features adjustable pressure and run time settings, allowing you to customize the testing conditions based on the specific requirements of the vehicle and the system being tested. This flexibility enhances the accuracy of your diagnostics.**5. Comprehensive Compatibility: The ANCEL L8000 is compatible with a wide range of vehicles, making it a versatile tool for any automotive professional. Its broad compatibility ensures that you can use it across different makes and models, providing a comprehensive diagnostic solution.**6. High-Quality Construction: Built with durable materials, the L8000 is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use in a professional setting. Its robust construction ensures longevity and reliability, making it a solid investment for your workshop.**7. Ease of Use: The user-friendly design and intuitive controls make the L8000 easy to operate, even for those who are not familiar with advanced diagnostic tools. The straightforward interface and clear instructions simplify the testing process.**8. Effective Leak Detection: The smoke machine generates a dense, visible smoke that makes it easy to identify leaks in both EVAP and turbo systems. This visibility helps you pinpoint issues accurately and efficiently, saving time and reducing the need for guesswork.Overall Impressions: The ANCEL L8000 Automotive Smoke Machine is a top-tier diagnostic tool that delivers exceptional performance for both professional and personal use. Its dual-mode functionality, built-in air pump, and adjustable settings make it a versatile and reliable choice for anyone needing accurate leak detection and system diagnostics.

Damaged when I got it

Firstly, I want to be clear that I am only a home mechanic and that I have never used one of these machines prior to getting this one, so I can’t offer comparisons to others. However, that said, I am very impressed with this one and what it can do for diagnosing vacuum and exhaust leaks alone. Those have been my experiences with it so far. My truck had a vacuum leak at the engine, occasionally causing a misfire under load. I set this up and soon found a hose with a split/tear in it that periodically opened and closed, causing the random misfire. The other time I used it was to pump smoke into the exhaust system on my partner’s car via the tailpipe to find a small blow. Using this instead of just running the car engine and laying underneath trying to feel around for it saved me time and burnt hands. I was surprised how quickly this unit created smoke and pumped the exhaust system full of it. Soon a small plume of smoke was visible where a new muffler had been welded on a few months before and a less than perfect weld had left a hole for gases to escape. Some exhaust cement and a strategically placed clamp soon fixed the problem - enough to get it through the winter months, anyway. I have yet to explore all the other uses for this unit but I am glad to have it on hand for if/when problems arise as diagnosing is often the harder part of the repair. I said it comes with everything you need and it does have a very comprehensive set of fittings to get this unit hooked up to your particular vehicle and those that I have tried have been easy to use. The only thing I forgot to mention you DO still need to get is some sort of oil for creating the smoke. Various type will work and I have used lamp oil and some kind of massage oil that my partner had set aside as she didn’t like the smell of it. The smell wasn’t improved any by heating it up and turning it into smoke through this machine but I didn’t really care about that out in the yard where I was using it. Not all of the kit fits into the impressively built case, which is a little annoying and I was concerned some parts might go astray so I found a slightly larger plastic tote that the case and the extras all fit into and it’s labelled and kept on a shelf in the garage. In terms of value for money, there’s two ways of looking at this; if you ever have to send a vehicle in for diagnostics of the type this machine can do, then you could quite easily exceed the cost of this unit in one session. Of course, you have to be somewhat handy around cars to take on the work yourself but, if you can, you will save yourself time and money with this. If you have little to no mechanical experience and are somewhat reluctant to take such things on and learn how to use this then perhaps it will be a large expenditure with small returns. I think it’s a good buy and you should buy it with a view to expanding your skill set and take the time to see what it can do in your hands. Even better if you have a friend or family member to learn together with them and maybe share the machine. If you already know your way around the mechanical side of a vehicle then this is a good investment.

If you like to do your own work on your car then this smoke machine is a huge step up from your DIY solutions. It’s small, easy to use, and really handy for tracking down fuel vapour leaks. The built-in air compressor makes it even more convenient since you don’t need a separate one, though most DIY mechanics probably already have one. If you’re someone who takes care of multiple vehicles, or want to help your friends out in a pinch this is a good tool to have on hand.You'll notice right away when you open up thebox that this is pretty well contructed and has all the hoses or attachments you'll need to get started. If you're new to using a device like this then follow the included instructions and make sure you have some mineral oil handy. Then turn it on, and in no time, you’ll see exactly where the problem is. It becomes really easy to spot where leaks are coming from or what parts need to be replaced with the smoke being easy to spot.For home mechanics or small shops, this is a great tool to have. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s way more reliable and easier than DIY solutions. If you’re tired of guessing where a leak is coming from, this little machine will save you a ton of time and frustration.

This automotive smoke machine from Ancel is a device that you use to perform different types of tests, specifically to find leaks in automotive systems.One of the nice things about this system is that it has a built-in air pump, so you do not need to connect your own external air source to use this device. This allows you to take the device around to perform diagnosis without having to bring additional equipment such as a compressor or pump along with you. The weight is pretty good considering it has built-in pumps and it weighs in at around 7 lbs.There is an LCD display to allow you to visually see everything that is happening in real time. The screen is a colour display and it gives you an overview and allows you to change the settings and even perform a self test. Below the screen there are 4 metal buttons that you use as your controls. On the right side you have two ports, one is your smoke outlet and the other is to fill your oil, you unscrew the caps to gain access to these. On the left you have your DC 12v plugs.The unit is built into a protective case, which is a very convenient feature. The case is high quality and will protect the unit even from external weather conditions. The case has a hard shell and can be locked closed if you add your own small locks on each side. There are two clasps on the front to keep it closed. There is a handle at the top for easy carrying.They have included a number of accessories with this unit such as cone adapters and different connectors so that you will be able to ensure a fit for your vehicle. You have all of your cables, evap tools, block caps and even a bottle for your fluid. You will need to provide your own fluid for the smoke creation, you can use baby oil or mineral oil to accomplish this. The accessories have their own cloth bag that zips closed with a zipper, where you can conveniently keep and carry them.This machine is a great tool, especially for someone who enjoys working on their cars at home. If you are handy and want to be able to do your own leak checks, this is a useful addition to your toolkit.

This smoke machine is impressive! So much better than my old analogue machine. This machine is very user friendly assuming you have used a smoke machine in the past. If not, please read the manual and I would recommend watching some videos on proper usage.I picked this up so that the shop would have one and the mobile tech would also have one, now they all argue over who gets to use the fancy new one. This is great for the mobile tech as it has a built in air compressor, no need for shop air.The digital display is fool proof. It does not come with the smoke oil, this needs to be purchased separately. You can purchase automotive smoke oil OR you can use baby oil, this works just as well at a fraction of the cost.The case that this machine comes in is beyond great. You could probably drop this from the roof and it wouldn't damage it in anyway. There is also a separate bag to hold all the accessories. The included accessories are a series of different adapters for almost all vehicles you may work on.Despite the steep price, this system is a must for any shop, even if it is your own hobby shop. You will not regret this purchase!

This took me a super long time to review because I had to learn how to use it, and more importantly, what to use it for.I ordered some glow in the dark smoke liquid and had a friend who happens to actually be a mechanic (but usually doesn't do this kind of work--mostly body and alignment) help me figure out where to connect this. He got it connected to something under the hood and we started pumping. Put it under UV light and there was a bit of glow around where he crudely created the seal with the rubber adapter things that came with the kit, and nothing else under the hood. He said that meant my working truck wasn't broken -- score!But in all seriousness, I understand what it's supposed to do now, how it's supposed to be used, and paired with the UV smoke fluid, I can understand how it would be much better than using an ODB2 scanner and swapping parts (which I've tried in the past).When not pushed into an intake, I can definitely see the relatively slow but steady stream of thickish smoke coming out of the hose. That's exactly what you'd need it to do to find a leak.I didn't have to connect it to the car battery or lug one/an adapter with me, which was super convenient.it's light and small, easy to refill, and if you're a mechanic who has used a smoke machine for testing before, has essentially no learning curve.I can't say how it works relative to other machines, but with a quick tutorial from a friend and youtube, I can definitely say this makes diagnostics simple for a DIY backyard mechanic (though it's probably outside their price range).