Tool Review: Redline Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Locator
The Redline Detection Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Locator, No. 95-0130, can diagnose all leaks, including low pressure for traditional vehicle EVAP/general repair and variable high pressure for turbo, diesel and heavy duty testing. The compact, durable machine offers variable pressure and variable flow, allowing the technician to adjust as needed to find even minuscule leaks in every type of vehicle. The all-in-one unit tests a complete fuel vapor recovery system, complete exhaust system, complete intake system, turbo and turbo housings, charge air coolers, all boosted engines, diesel particulate filter systems and diesel emission systems - without dyes or contaminants. The tool kit, with multiple adapters and accessories, comes in a durable case.
The Review:
A reliable multitasker is no small matter in a busy shop setting. Redline's Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Locator received top marks from reviewer Eric Moore at DeMary Truck in Columbus, Ohio for its vast array of features and time-saving performance.
“If you haven’t used a smoke machine for exhaust- or emissions-related repairs, you are wasting billable hours ... and potential revenue,” says Moore. He says the Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector — which works on everything from Toyotas to Freightliners — makes diagnosis simple, fast and accurate. “If that doesn’t save time in the shop, I don’t know what will.”
The product comes with several accessories: two different sized bladders for blocking exhaust, a radiator cap adapter and several different fittings to be used with the adapters, all in a plastic case.
Although it comes with a manual, Moore says his techs were already familiar with the operation since they already house a Redline PowerSmoke Pro in the shop’s special tools room.
“If someone was confused [about the leak detector], it only takes a few minutes to figure out by using the machine,” he says.
To set up, Moore says they just had to add the oil to the resevoir. He reports this task becomes quicker and easier each time. If the instructions are a little unclear, he suggests users can also pull up helpful videos on YouTube.
The techs at DeMary Truck appreciated having both high pressure and low pressure functions available on the same tool. They felt the Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Locator came with a good selection of features to cover a large range of vehicles and operations.
“We used the high pressure side much more than the low pressure side in our environment,” says Moore. The high pressure side was used to diagnose emissions-related failures on a Mitsubishi Fuso line, as well as Isuzu, Hino, Navistar and Freightliner vehicles.
Shop techs used the low pressure option to check the purge solenoid on a 2004 Explorer, and to diagnose a failed vent valve solenoid on a 2011 Silverado. They also found an exhaust leak on a 2001 Chevy van with the tool.
“We have given Redline outstanding reviews before for their products, and this tool is no different,” says Moore. He adds that by combining the two tools into one, the Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Locator becomes a tool that should be present on the shop floor every day.
“There will always be something you can use it for,” says Moore.
