Tool Review: Mastercool Turbo/Intake Diagnostic Smoke Machine, No. 43060-TB

Not having to drag an air hose around the shop is a convenience in and of itself. This is especially true when needing to do a quick check, such as for an intake or exhaust leak. For mobile diagnostic technician Tanner Brandt, who doesn’t carry an air supply with him and would normally have to go in a shop to borrow an air hose, the Mastercool Turbo/Intake Diagnostic Smoke Machine was a real time saver. It features a built-in internal compressor.

Brandt is the owner of Tanner’s Auto Clinic in Wellford, South Carolina. He recently reviewed the smoke machine when testing for intake and boost leaks.

In addition to not requiring access to a shop’s air compressor, Brandt notes that the smoke machine is very easy to use and setup takes just seconds.

“All that needs to be done is to fill the product with oil and install the hose and power wires,” says the technician. “There is one button to turn the compressor on/off, and another button turns the smoke on/off. There is also one dial for pressure and another for flow control.”

The Turbo/Intake Diagnostic Smoke Machine came with a box of accessories, including an intake/exhaust adapter and some plastic plugs. There was also a flashlight, which Brandt said was “the best light I have seen included with a smoke machine to date.”

There was also a manual included in the packaging. Brandt used it to find out how to remove the flow gauge and how to clean the unit to see how easy maintenance would be.

Another feature that Brandt liked and appreciated was the relatively small size of the unit, measuring 11.8” by 8.1” by 11”.

After reviewing the Mastercool Turbo/Intake Diagnostic Smoke Machine, Brandt concludes, “Being able to use the tool to quickly check for intake, boost, and exhaust leaks without having to hook up to shop air is awesome.”