Low-Pressure Smoke Leak Testing Without Shop Air
The SDT106 has a built-in air pump, so it runs from a 12 V battery alone. Hang it near the test area, let smoke fill the line and trace where it escapes on permitted EVAP, intake, exhaust, fuel-tank, sealing and line-fitting checks. Testing oil is not included.
- Built-In Air Pump
- <12 psi Rated Output
- About 5 s Smoke Start
- Hook Mounting
- Works Down to -20°C
Key Features
-
No Separate Air Supply
The built-in pump provides the test airflow, so no compressor or shop air is needed.
-
Quick Smoke Start
Smoke begins about five seconds after power-on; let the line fill, then look for escaping smoke.
-
Hook-Mounted Position
The compact body and hook let you hang the unit close to the test area, and make it easy to carry and store.
-
Low-Pressure Leak Checks
For EVAP, intake, exhaust, fuel tank, vehicle sealing and common line fittings on 12 V cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, ATVs, light trucks and speedboats.
-
Cold and Overheat Protection
Operates down to -20°C and cuts power if the internal temperature exceeds 75°C.
Model Comparison
| SDT106 | SDT50 | SDT203 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated output pressure | <12 psi | <10 psi | <15 psi |
| Rated power | 50 W | 50 W | 65 W |
| Pressure gauge | No | No | Yes |
| Flow meter / adjustment knob | No / No | No / No | Yes / Yes |
| Fault indicator light | No | No | Yes |
| Main unit weight | 3.5 kg | 1.5 kg | 1.7 kg |
What’s in the Box
- SDT106 smoke leak detector
- 12 V DC battery clamp cable
- Smoke output hose
- Cone adapter
- Airbag adapter
- Rubber plugs and other accessories
- Empty testing oil bottle
- User manual
Testing oil is not included; use liquid paraffin or baby oil.
How to Use
- Add testing oilFor first use, fill 10–15 mL of baby oil or liquid paraffin; do not overfill.
- Connect the test linePosition the detector securely, disconnect the line to be tested and connect it to the detector.
- Connect powerClamp onto a 12 V DC battery and turn on the power switch.
- Locate the leakOnce smoke fills the line, inspect for escaping smoke, using a headlamp if needed.
- Confirm and retestCheck the escape path against the system layout, repair the verified leak and repeat the same test.
Built-in pump operation, permitted system checks, test-oil handling and troubleshooting: SDT106 user manual (PDF).
Good to Know
Caution
- For permitted low-pressure systems only, never high-pressure testing. There is no pressure gauge, flow meter or flow adjustment, so stay within the limits of the service procedure and do not introduce smoke into excluded components.
- Do not run continuously for more than 8 minutes; let the unit rest between cycles and cool down after an overheat shutoff.
- Never refill testing oil while the unit is running.
- The round metal housing gets hot during use; avoid touching it.
Care
- Refill only when the smoke becomes thin: stop the unit, pour out the remaining oil and add no more than 15 mL at a time.
- If no smoke appears, recheck isolation, flow and the test setup before continuing.




































