The Trainer #153: Cold Side Turbo Induction System Leak Detection

Oct. 8, 2024

Pressured induction systems may only leak under boost. The 43066 Digital Dual Smoke Machine from Mastercool can make light work of these difficult-to-spot leak points.

Brandon Steckler

A logical process of scan tool analysis can easily point to a leak (or unmetered air) in an induction system. Although a layer of complexity is added when the vehicle configuration incorporates a turbo charged/pressurized induction system, preliminary scan tool data can still provide the steppingstone we look for to justify further investigation of a leak.

But now it's time to find that leak. How do we approach it efficiently? Many of the pressurized induction system’s components are buried or at least not easily visible. With that, visual inspection can be very involved and can require extensive disassembly. Implementing a smoke machine can aid in that process however a pressurized induction system that leaks under boost pressure (upwards of 15 psi gauge pressure or more) may not reveal the leak with the same smoke machine we use on evaporative emissions system.

In this episode of The Trainer, Motor Age Technical Editor Brandon Steckler implements the 43066 Digital Dual Smoke Machine from Mastercool to quickly and preliminarily locate the general area of a pressurized induction system leak. This gave him the justification and confidence for disassembly in order to pinpoint the source of the leak to a loose clamp at the turbo system intercooler. Stick with Brandon throughout this diagnosis to find out just how easy and efficient this job can be with the Mastercool 43066. tune in for this episode of The Trainer.

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About the Author

Brandon Steckler | Technical Editor | Motor Age

Brandon began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas, where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status.

Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist among the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specialized in diagnostics and driveability.

Today, he is an instructor with both Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he develops curriculum/submits case studies for educational purposes. Through Steckler Automotive Technical Services, LLC., Brandon also provides telephone and live technical support, as well as private training, for technicians all across the world.

Brandon holds ASE certifications A1-A9 as well as C1 (Service Consultant). He is certified as an Advanced Level Specialist in L1 (Advanced Engine Performance), L2 (Advanced Diesel Engine Performance), L3 (Hybrid/EV Specialist), L4 (ADAS) and xEV-Level 2 (Technician electrical safety).

He contributes weekly to Facebook automotive chat groups, has authored several books and classes, and truly enjoys traveling across the globe to help other technicians attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.