A car came into 1Stop Motor Shop Mallusk with a suspected turbo fault. We used a smoke machine to detect a boost leak and diagnose the issue quickly for our Newtownabbey customer.
This car arrived at 1Stop Motor Shop, Mallusk showing signs of reduced power and poor acceleration. The turbo wasn’t building full boost pressure, and the driver reported a whistle under load, both classic signs of a boost leak or air system fault.
To find the problem, our mechanics used a smoke machine diagnostic test. This system safely pressurises the intake system with visible smoke, allowing us to see where air is escaping, something that’s impossible to spot by eye.
Within minutes, smoke revealed a leak on one of the boost pipes, confirming the source of the fault without unnecessary strip-downs or guesswork.
Turbocharged engines rely on a sealed system to maintain pressure. Even a tiny split in a pipe or seal can cause major performance loss.
A smoke machine helps us:
Detect cracks, splits, or loose clamps
Confirm intercooler or hose leaks
Identify vacuum line or PCV issues
Save customers time and money on repairs
The test is quick, non-invasive, and gives a clear visual confirmation of the issue.
Once the smoke revealed the leak, we replaced the affected pipe and inspected the rest of the boost system for similar weaknesses. After reassembly, the car was retested with full boost restored, no leaks, and running perfectly again.
Every repair we carry out is followed by a road test and live data check, confirming the issue is fully resolved before returning the car to the customer.
If you notice any of the following, it’s worth getting your car checked:
Loss of power or sluggish acceleration
Hissing or whistling noises under boost
Black smoke from the exhaust
Engine management light on
Excessive fuel consumption
Early diagnosis prevents further damage to the turbocharger and engine.
If you suspect a boost leak, turbo fault, or intake system issue, book a smoke machine diagnostic today. Our experienced technicians will pinpoint the fault fast.
