Introduction
The ANCEL S3000 PRO Automotive Smoke Machine is a professional vehicle leak diagnostic tool designed to detect leaks in various automotive systems. Equipped with a built-in air pump and pressure gauge, it offers an efficient and accurate method for identifying leaks in vacuum, fuel, EVAP, engine, intake, brake, cooling, turbo, transmission, and emission systems, as well as cabin air leaks.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your ANCEL S3000 PRO device. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure safe and effective operation.
Figure 1: ANCEL S3000 PRO Automotive Smoke Machine with included accessories.
Product Features
- Built-in Air Pump: Eliminates the need for external air connections, enhancing portability and ease of use.
- Adjustable Flow Meter and Pressure Gauge: Allows for precise detection of even the smallest leaks and supports pressure decay tests.
- Dual Test Modes: Supports both Air Mode for pressure decay tests and Smoke Mode for visual leak detection.
- Rapid Smoke Output: Generates thick smoke within 10 seconds for quick diagnosis.
- Intelligent Protector: Automatic power-off function if operating temperature surpasses limits, ensuring safety.
- Wide Compatibility: Suitable for various vehicle types including cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, and light trucks.
- Full-Size Automotive Cap Plugs Kit: Includes a 23-piece set of tapered caps for secure sealing of various openings.
- Environmentally Friendly Smoke: Uses baby oil to produce harmless, odor-free smoke.
Figure 2: The ANCEL S3000 PRO is capable of detecting leaks in multiple vehicle systems, including engine, cooling, exhaust, intake, brake, fuel, turbo, transmission, and vacuum systems.
What's in the Box
The ANCEL S3000 PRO package includes the following components:
- 1 x ANCEL S3000 PRO Automotive Smoke Machine (Main Unit)
- 1 x 8.2 ft long Power Cable
- 1 x 8.2 ft long Smoke Release Hose
- 1 x Intake Bladder
- 1 x Funnel (for adding test oil)
- 1 x Hook (for hanging the unit under the hood)
- 1 x User Manual
- 23-piece set of Automotive Cap Plugs
Figure 3: All components included in the ANCEL S3000 PRO package.
Setup
Follow these steps to set up your ANCEL S3000 PRO for operation:
- Add Test Oil:
Locate the oil refill port on the top of the unit. Use the provided funnel to add baby oil or mineral oil. Ensure the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the oil level gauge. (Refer to Figure 4 for oil level gauge location).
Figure 4: Step 1 - Adding test oil using the provided funnel. Baby oil is recommended.
- Connect the Smoke Hose:
Screw the smoke release hose securely into the designated port on the side of the ANCEL S3000 PRO unit.
- Hang the Unit:
Attach the provided hook to the top of the unit and hang it securely under the hood of the vehicle you are testing.
- Connect Power:
Connect the power cable to the unit and then attach the alligator clips to the vehicle's 12V battery terminals (red to positive, black to negative). The power indicator light on the unit will illuminate.
Figure 5: Step 3 - Connecting the power cable to the vehicle's battery.
Operating Instructions
The ANCEL S3000 PRO offers two primary operating modes: Air Mode and Smoke Mode.
Air Mode (Pressure Decay Test)
Air Mode is ideal for quickly identifying small leaks by monitoring pressure drops in a sealed system.
- Activate Air Mode: Press the "Air Control" button on the unit. The corresponding LED will turn green, and the internal air pump will start generating pressurized air.
- Pressurize the System: Connect the smoke hose to the vehicle system you wish to test (e.g., intake manifold using the intake bladder). Allow the system to pressurize to a specified level.
- Observe Pressure Gauge: Monitor the built-in pressure gauge. If the pressure drops significantly, it indicates a leak.
- Confirm Leaks: If a pressure drop is observed but no smoke is visible, proceed to Smoke Mode for visual confirmation.
Figure 6: Air Mode operation, showing how a pressure drop indicates a leak.
Smoke Mode (Visual Leak Detection)
Smoke Mode allows for visual identification of leaks by filling the system with harmless smoke.
- Activate Smoke Mode: Press the "Smoke Control" button on the unit. The corresponding LED will turn green, and the unit will begin generating smoke.
- Adjust Smoke Output: Use the flow control valve to adjust the density of the smoke output. Light smoke is suitable for small leaks, while dense smoke is better for larger leaks.
- Inject Smoke: Insert the smoke hose into the sealed vehicle system. The smoke will fill the system and escape from any leak points, making them visible.
- Inspect for Leaks: Carefully observe the system for any escaping smoke. The smoke will pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
Figure 7: Smoke Mode operation, demonstrating adjustable smoke output for different leak sizes.
Specific Applications
- EVAP System Test: For EVAP systems requiring lower pressure (e.g., <1 PSI), an additional LPG regulator (not included) is necessary to reduce the output pressure from the high-pressure machine to a suitable level.
- Cabin Air Leak Detection: Start the car, turn the blower on high, shut all doors and windows. In a windless environment, run columnar smoke around all seams and windows from outside the car to locate leaks.
Video 1: Official ANCEL video demonstrating the features and ease of use of the S3000 PRO smoke machine. This video highlights the quick smoke generation and various applications.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your ANCEL S3000 PRO.
- Oil Level Check: Always check the oil level before each use. Low oil can cause dry burning, overheating, and trigger thermal protection. Refill if needed and allow the device to cool down for best performance.
- Smoke Oil Type: Use only baby oil or mineral oil. This device is designed to produce harmless smoke with these types of oils.
- Smoke Hose Drainage: Periodically take off the smoke hose and dry it to prevent slow oil drops from the output due to normal smoke condensation.
- Storage: When not in use, wind up the power cord and smoke hose and secure them with the integrated strap for neat storage.
Figure 8: The device features a special temperature control system for stable operation and extended service life.
Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions for common issues you might encounter with your ANCEL S3000 PRO.
| Index | Error | Possible Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LED is not ON | Mistaken positive to negative Poor connect of power line | Connect to power source correctly Check with meter if the powerline is broken, confirm and replace the power line |
| 2 | Pump is on but no air output | Flow Dial not open Pump failure | Open the flowdial anti-clockwise Replace a new pump |
| 3 | No smoke output | No air output Smoke oil out of min. or overfilled Voltage low Heater damaged | Open the flowdial anti-clockwise Check oil level, trun unit upside down while the oil filter port is open, and refill to the correct level Check battery voltage if its over 12v Run Air Mode plug up the smoke outlet, observe if there's pressure change in the pressure gauge |
| 4 | Weak smoke, obvious oil drops from the output | Smoke oil not compatible | Change proper smoke oil |
| 5 | Slow oil drops from the output | Normal smoke condensation | Periodically take off the smoke hose and dry it |
| 6 | Sudden stop of smoke output | Overheat protection activated | Cool down the unit before using again |
Video 2: An unboxing and setup guide for the ANCEL S3000 PRO, detailing what comes in the box and how to prepare the device for first use.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | ANCEL |
| Model | S3000 PRO |
| Item Weight | 4.98 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 3 x 7 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Power Supply | 12V DC |
| Air Pressure | 12 PSI |
| Smoke Output Time | 10 seconds |
| Smoke Hose Length | 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) |
| Power Cord Length | 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) |
Figure 9: Overview of the ANCEL S3000 PRO's key components and technical specifications.
Warranty and Support
ANCEL provides a warranty for the S3000 PRO Automotive Smoke Machine. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official ANCEL website.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or any inquiries regarding your product, please contact ANCEL customer service through their official channels. You can find contact information in the user manual or on the ANCEL website.
Note: Some customer reviews mention a 9-month warranty period and positive experiences with warranty replacements.
Visit the official ANCEL Store for more information: ANCEL Store on Amazon
