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Aspen03
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I just realized exactly how dirty my engine bay is in that pic. It's been 2 years since I steam cleaned it all. I think it's time...
P0171 and P0174 Bank 1 & 2 lean
- Thread starter Aspen03
- Start date
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Hamfisted
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Yeah, the vacuum line christmas tree is still available. The Evap System Supply line is too if you need that. The factory pieces just rot out and have to be replaced after a while.
Ford 5.4L Vacuum Line Tree on Amazon
Ford Evap System Supply Line on Amazon
Ford 5.4L Vacuum Line Tree on Amazon
Ford Evap System Supply Line on Amazon
Vincent Vega
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Yeah, replace to whole christmas tree. I tried to cheap-out and piecemeal it to avoid paying $59, and every week I was getting more vacuum leaks and codes. The cheap Autozone (or whatever) elbows and hosing did not fit as well as factory, and/or as soon as I would replace one piece another would go bad. So I ended up buying the whole tree after lots of unsuccessful dorking around, and havent had any problems since. Good luck, and good job tracking it down.
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Aspen03
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Tree replaced, leak and codes gone. Definitely worth the 59, it's made well and likely will outlast the vehicle based on the original making it almost 20 years and 244k. That rear hose with the 90* bend in it was a pita however. The hose clamp was rotated toward the firewall and with such little clearance I had a heck of a time getting it off there. I spent a good 45min on that one and about 5 on everything else. It's done. Woo! Lol.
My first time using a smoke machine was diagnosing this leak. 100% worth the $ even though it cost double what my part was. It took less 5min to narrow it down. I have other uses for it to further justify the cost but even if this was the only thing I ever used it for I would buy again. It's that simple and efficient.
My first time using a smoke machine was diagnosing this leak. 100% worth the $ even though it cost double what my part was. It took less 5min to narrow it down. I have other uses for it to further justify the cost but even if this was the only thing I ever used it for I would buy again. It's that simple and efficient.
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Aspen03
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I removed the vacuum hose from brake booster and used the cone fitting on the smoke machine to get a good seal. The smoke machine was powered from the vehicle battery.
Steve Hartman
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Steve Hartman
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73 and on a fixed income. A smoke machine sounds like a mighty expensive purchase. What can I get away with that will do the job? I haven't a clue! :O Thank you!
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Aspen03
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There were cheaper options available but I spent about $135 on it, the model i purchased had adjustable volume and extra fittings for a variety of uses. There were several under $100. We do the majority of work on our vehicles so for me it justified the expense as it's something I'll undoubtedly use many times over the years. It saved who knows how much time in diagnostics on my end and I easily could have thrown the wrong parts at it chasing what I thought it might be and long term it'll likely pay for itself. That's how I justified it. We all have a budget and have to do what is best for your situation.
There were a few DIY solutions for a smoke generator out there. Google and YouTube were full of them. If you're handy it would certainly be a cheaper solution for occasional use.
There were a few DIY solutions for a smoke generator out there. Google and YouTube were full of them. If you're handy it would certainly be a cheaper solution for occasional use.
whtbronco
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I used e-cigarettes for many years and realized while looking to buy a smoke machine that in my hand was a small smoke machine 
. So I made one for under $50. I used a mason type jar about double the normal size, an old soldering iron, two 1/4" hose fittings, a couple of old socks and baby oil. I like to save money and make stuff, but only if it will suit the requirements.
I drilled 3 holes in the metal top. One 5/8" for the soldering iron, and two about 1/4" for the hose fittings. I roughed up and cleaned everything end used epoxy to secure all three. Then use one hose connector to go to the vehicle and one to my air compressor. I set the air compressor line pressure low and am very careful to only use a little pressure, it doesn't really take much. Clearly at times I need a helper, but it was cheap and has worked fine several times for me.
. So I made one for under $50. I used a mason type jar about double the normal size, an old soldering iron, two 1/4" hose fittings, a couple of old socks and baby oil. I like to save money and make stuff, but only if it will suit the requirements.I drilled 3 holes in the metal top. One 5/8" for the soldering iron, and two about 1/4" for the hose fittings. I roughed up and cleaned everything end used epoxy to secure all three. Then use one hose connector to go to the vehicle and one to my air compressor. I set the air compressor line pressure low and am very careful to only use a little pressure, it doesn't really take much. Clearly at times I need a helper, but it was cheap and has worked fine several times for me.
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