Draper Expert Smoke Diagnostic Machine with Turbo / EVAP / Leak Detection

Find leaks faster and diagnose with certainty using the Draper Expert SDM-TURBO/EVAP Smoke Diagnostic Machine. Purpose-built for professional automotive technicians, this workshop smoke tester generates a dense, visible smoke using mineral oil and compressed workshop air, pushing it through vehicle systems to reveal even the smallest leaks with pinpoint accuracy — saving hours of diagnostic time compared to manual inspection or guesswork.

Switching effortlessly between turbo and EVAP test modes, the SDM-TURBO/EVAP covers two of the most time-consuming diagnostic challenges in modern automotive work. In turbo mode the machine operates at up to 20psi, making it suitable for pressurising intercoolers, charge pipes, intake systems, and boost circuits to locate splits, loose couplings, and failed clamps. In EVAP mode it drops to a precise 0.75psi — the correct low pressure for safely testing fuel evaporative emission control systems without risk of damage to sensitive components.

Variable air and smoke pressure control gives technicians full command over test conditions, while the easy-to-read pressure gauge and oil level indicator window make monitoring straightforward throughout the test cycle. A built-in safety cut-off prevents over-pressurisation, protecting vehicle seals and components during testing. The five-minute duty cycle is designed to maximise the unit's working life, allowing it to run for extended periods without overheating.

The machine connects directly to a 12V vehicle battery via the included cable and crocodile clips — no mains power or separate compressor is required beyond a standard workshop air supply. Compact and lightweight, it is equally suited to mobile technicians and fixed workshop bays.

Supplied in a sturdy carry case packed with a comprehensive accessory kit including 23 plastic plugs, a 31–81mm cone adaptor, battery cable with crocodile clips, smoke outlet hose, air intake adaptor, hook, and EVAP service kit, the SDM-TURBO/EVAP is ready for professional use straight from the box.

Key Features:

• Detects leaks across turbo, EVAP, intake, exhaust, and all other vehicle systems using mineral oil smoke
• Switchable turbo and EVAP test modes — up to 20psi (turbo) and 0.75psi (EVAP)
• Variable air and smoke pressure control for precise test conditions
• Easy-to-read test pressure gauge and oil level indicator window
• Built-in safety cut-off prevents over-pressurisation and seal damage
• Five-minute duty cycle for extended continuous operation
• Operates in air mode and smoke mode
• Connects to 12V vehicle battery — no mains power required
• Compact and lightweight for workshop and mobile use
• Supplied in a carry case with full accessory kit

What's Included:

• Smoke diagnostic machine
• 23 × plastic plugs
• 31–81mm cone adaptor
• Battery cable with crocodile clips
• Smoke outlet hose
• Air intake adaptor
• Hook
• EVAP service kit
• Carry case

How Does a Smoke Diagnostic Machine Work?

The SDM-TURBO/EVAP works by generating a dense, fine smoke from mineral oil and injecting it — under controlled pressure — into a sealed vehicle system via the smoke outlet hose. As smoke travels through pipes, hoses, and joints, it escapes visibly through any crack, split, loose connection, or failed seal. Technicians can trace the exact location of a leak in minutes, without removing components or relying on feel and sound alone. For EVAP systems, where leaks are often too small to detect any other way, smoke testing is the industry-standard diagnostic method recommended by vehicle manufacturers worldwide.

Turbo System Leak Detection

Boost leaks are one of the most common causes of poor performance, hesitation, excessive smoke, and turbocharger-related fault codes on modern turbocharged petrol and diesel vehicles. Even a small split in a charge pipe or a loose intercooler connection can cause significant power loss and make fault codes difficult to clear. The SDM-TURBO/EVAP pressurises the entire charge circuit at up to 20psi — replicating real-world boost conditions — so leaks that only appear under load become instantly visible during a static workshop test.

EVAP System Leak Detection

Evaporative emission control (EVAP) system faults are among the most difficult to diagnose without dedicated equipment. A leak as small as 0.020 inches — the threshold for an EVAP-related fault code on most vehicles — produces no audible sound, no visible damage, and no driveability symptom. The SDM-TURBO/EVAP delivers smoke at the precisely controlled low pressure of 0.75psi required for EVAP testing, allowing technicians to locate purge valve leaks, cracked charcoal canisters, failed filler neck seals, and deteriorated vacuum lines quickly and without risk of damage to the system.

Who Is the Draper Expert SDM-TURBO/EVAP For?

The SDM-TURBO/EVAP is designed for professional automotive technicians, independent garages, main dealers, and mobile diagnostics specialists who regularly encounter boost and EVAP system faults. It is particularly valuable for workshops that carry out MOT emissions-related work, performance diagnostics on turbocharged vehicles, or fault code diagnosis on modern petrol and diesel cars where EVAP integrity is monitored by the ECU. The combination of both test modes in a single, portable unit makes it an efficient and cost-effective addition to any professional diagnostic toolkit.

FAQ Section:

What systems can the Draper SDM-TURBO/EVAP test? The SDM-TURBO/EVAP can test any sealed vehicle system, including turbocharger charge circuits, intercoolers, intake manifolds, EVAP emissions systems, fuel systems, cooling systems, and vacuum circuits. Any system that can be sealed and pressurised is a candidate for smoke leak testing.

What pressure does the smoke machine operate at? In turbo mode the machine operates at up to 20psi, suitable for pressurising boost and intake circuits. In EVAP mode it operates at 0.75psi — the correct low pressure for safely testing evaporative emission control systems.

What fluid does the Draper smoke machine use? The SDM-TURBO/EVAP uses mineral oil to generate smoke. Mineral oil is the industry-standard fluid for automotive smoke testers, producing a dense, fine smoke that is safe for use inside vehicle systems.

Does the smoke machine require mains power? No. The SDM-TURBO/EVAP connects directly to a 12V vehicle battery via the included battery cable and crocodile clips. A standard workshop compressed air supply is also required to generate smoke.

What is the duty cycle of the SDM-TURBO/EVAP? The machine features a five-minute duty cycle, meaning it can operate continuously for up to five minutes before requiring a rest period. This extended duty cycle is designed to support thorough, unhurried leak testing without overheating the unit.

Is there a safety cut-off on the smoke machine? Yes. The SDM-TURBO/EVAP features a built-in safety cut-off that prevents pressure from exceeding safe operating limits, protecting vehicle seals and components from damage during testing.

What accessories are included with the SDM-TURBO/EVAP? The machine is supplied in a carry case with 23 plastic plugs, a 31–81mm cone adaptor, battery cable with crocodile clips, smoke outlet hose, air intake adaptor, hook, and an EVAP service kit.