I’ve forgotten the year this happened, but I clearly remember these two. First, I still had a mechanic, and second, it was raining badly during that period. Armed with the confidence that my mechanic knew what he was doing, I followed him blindly – and never believed I’d be writing this Foxwell ST203 review less than a decade later.
To be completely honest, I didn’t even know any such thing existed at that time! It was just me and my mechanic, messing around with borrowed confidence.
The story is very interesting and I’m going to share it, right away. However, before I do that, take a look at: the Foxwell ST203 automotive smoke machine on Amazon.
Now, permit me to share with you my story which made me, looking back, wish I had come across the Foxwell ST203 automotive smoke machine sooner than later.
Affiliate Disclosure
I’m a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.
Article Outline
The Intake Manifold That ‘Sang’
I’m a meticulous vehicle owner and assuming I’m financially stable, don’t joke with my vehicle’s maintenance.
Naturally, when I started getting poor gas mileage, I called my mechanic then (he was a mobile folk that came to the house) and he took a look at the vehicle.
After a series of scans and test drives, he confirmed that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. According to him, the fuel consumption was normal.
It’s difficult to argue with a professional (when you have limited knowledge of the subject matter). It’s even more difficult to argue when the said ‘professional’ has a suite of tools and ‘convinces’ you that his conclusions are correct.
I left it at that – and paid him for his time. Deep down, however, I knew that something was wrong with the vehicle. And, since my mechanic wouldn’t agree (or help me narrow it down), I decided to figure it out myself.
The first clue came around sooner than later: while listening to the engine on one of my less busy weekends, I noticed a hissing sound – which I traced back to the manifold area. I called out to my son to hit the gas pedal as I listened, intently.
On giving the vehicle some gas, the air sounded sharply, then, picked up again. I knew that sound wasn’t there before that time.
I called my mechanic again to take a listen: I wasn’t sure what the hissing sound was or where exactly it was coming from.
It didn’t take my mechanic (then) more than a minute to determine that the noise was a compromise from the intake manifold. I asked him how sure he was. In his words, “About 70%”
Since 50% is generally all I ever need, I took the gamble to change the manifold. Unknown to me then, the challenge was only just beginning.
Intake Manifold 101…
I’ve held several times that used parts aren’t superior to new parts in any way. Unfortunately, where I was living at that time, it wasn’t possible to get a new intake manifold for my daily driver. Used options, however, abounded, and since it wasn’t practical to ship, the decision was reached to replace it with a used one.
We tried the first intake manifold, right in the used parts market. Despite the noise, we observed that the unit was ‘leaking air’ more than what we took out.
My mechanic removed it and tried another. It was worse. Then a third. Same story. Painfully, we decided to fix back our unit and drive home. It was a completely wasted day.
Till I sold the vehicle, that hissing sound persisted. I have no idea if the new owner ever got a better intake manifold and the noise quietened. However, I made sure that I disclosed this during the sale.
Fast forward to a few years ago, history repeated itself: the 2006 ES330 I recently sold developed a similar challenge.
Now ‘mechanicless’ and better equipped to handle the challenge as a DIY mechanic, I knew exactly what to do…
…the answer was simple: the Foxwell ST203 automotive smoke machine.
Foxwell ST203 Review: First Impression & What’s in the Box
The period between when the Foxwell ST203 shipped and when it took the shipping company to deliver to my address was about a week.
However, it felt like an eternity: for the first time, I was passionately curious about overcoming an auto-related challenge that had defeated my mechanic and I, prior.
I was also eager to see how the ST203 would provide the answers the Foxwell ST201 had failed to offer, prompting me to order it specifically to fill in the vacuum. I was looking to see how much of a leak I was looking at.
I opened the parcel eagerly when it came and found out that it was similar – to the ST201 in many respects (which was a good thing – since I’d found the ST201 to be easy to use and work with, earlier).
The size, though a little bigger than ST201 was also not enormous to deter frequent use. I was now eager to see what else was in the box.
The smoke machine ticked out. Out next was a simple user manual; others were a power chord, a smoke tube, a small funnel, an inflatable adapter, an air drum rubber, an intake adapter cone and 23 pcs cap stoppers of different sizes.
Like the ST201, the ST203 looked solid – and promised outstanding performance. All that was left to be seen was how it would perform. And, for that, I was eager and quite capable of the task.
Functions & Abilities of the Foxwell ST203
An automotive smoke machine has just one function – at its core (and one function only): to produce smoke on demand.
The Foxwell ST203 satisfies this primary condition and when filled with oil and powered, produces copious amounts of smoke.
However, unlike the typical smoke machine, there are other notable functions and abilities that it’s difficult to glean on face value, just by looking at the unit.
Other Notable Functions & Features
When I got the Foxwell ST201, I was curious about what the ST203 offered and what I was missing.
Each time I used the unit, I couldn’t help but wonder how much easier and more exciting my auto DIY would be if I used or at least, had access to the Foxwell ST203.
It promised more advanced functions and features and overall, the grand promise was to make my life easier.
When the ST203 arrived, these were the options that differentiated it from the entry-level 201, clearly:
Smoke & Air Option
The Foxwell ST203 has both a smoke and an air option, on demand. Toggled, you select which output you prefer, with smoke being the default and air being an option.
The smoke option is useful and practical for testing non-sensitive engine components and exhaust leaks.
However, if you’re testing sensitive units such as the AC ducts and don’t want the smoke vapor causing challenges down the line, the air-only option provides a safe means of running such a test without the fear of compromising anything.
The air output, generally, is made possible by the built-in compressor of the unit – which derives its power from the 12V battery hooked to it.
Air/Smoke Volume
Besides the option of opting either for air or smoke, you can adjust the smoke/air volume that you desire, when using the ST203.
Granted, the default smoke (or air) the machine outputs is reasonable on its own, you may need to either increase or decrease its volume on select occasions – and this is where this feature of the ST203 comes in.
Generally, thus, you’re almost always guaranteed to tune up – instead of down, since that is what makes sense in most use-case scenarios.
That said, it remains a great idea to know that you have the option of controlling the volume of vapor/air coming out if you’re ever in need of that special function (and what it does).
Leak Size Detector
Finally, the Foxwell ST203 differs dramatically from the ST201 largely because, unlike the smaller and basic ST201, the 203 has a flow meter that indicates an estimate of the leak, when (and if) any is found.
With the flow meter on the ST203, you’re not left guessing regarding the size of the leak you have; it becomes manifest from the reading of the meter, right before you.
This is an important upgrade over the ST201 – and remains the principal reason why I bothered with a second unit, the ST203, in the first place.
Foxwell ST203 Vehicle Compatibility
Smoke machines, in my experience, are versatile tools: they work with every and any type of vehicle since they are generally designed to serve across the spectrum of makes and models.
However, I’ve found out that the ST203 is more compatible with more vehicles than the base ST201 (or any other smoke machine for that manner).
The reason for this is twofold:
First, the 203 has the option of plain air (in addition to smoke). For models that have systems that smoke presents a challenge for, only a unit such as the ST203 can safely be used to test them.
Secondly, the ST203 has way more accessories than the ST201 (or any other smoke machine I’ve come across). This plethora of accessories (in the form of variously sized and shaped adapters) can easily be maneuvered to test the most challenging systems, even where no other make or model has succeeded.
The Foxwell ST203 is so far the most versatile smoke machine I’ve used: it’s difficult to see how another smoke machine (and its accessories) will succeed where this unit has failed.
Limitations
The challenge with the Foxwell ST203 automotive smoke machine is that the very options that are supposed to make it attractive and versatile have also succeeded in making it unnecessarily complex and challenging to use.
For instance, I still have challenges understanding how the flow meter on the unit works – and the user manual doesn’t do much in this regard.
There are also more accessories than what I know what to do with. This is a good thing, but without proper documentation in the user manual, it is overwhelming, especially when you’re a casual vehicle owner or new mechanic.
Overall, however, the Foxwell ST203 is an impressive automotive smoke machine that needs refinement in terms of physical functions and sound documentation of how the functions and accessories work.
Alternatives to Consider
If you don’t need the plethora of accessories that the ST203 features (and its many features), the ST201 is a smart alternative to consider. It’s well-built, straight to the point, and produces copious amounts of smoke. Since there isn’t much to fumble around with, you won’t likely be confused when using it. It’s also considerably cheaper.
If for any reason you don’t want to deal with the Foxwell brand, then, the SD301 automotive smoke machine from Solary is priced similar to the Foxwell ST201 – and does just what the ST201 is designed to do. Variety, after all, is the spice of life.
If none of the above cuts it for you, then the Shop Series AutoLine Pro EVAP Smoke Machine & Leak Tester from AutoLine Pro should do the magic. Made in the US with a sturdy construction like something meant to survive a blast, this is one the most portable smoke machines today on the market, plus it comes with its own fluid (almost all competitors don’t). What’s not to love here?
Should You Buy the Foxwell ST203 Automotive Smoke Machine?
Yes – if you have no special needs for all the things that make it ‘special’.
This statement is likely confusing and contradictory, given that the ST203 is marketed as an improvement over the ST201 and the very things that make it special are the additions it comes with: flow meter (for pinpointing leak size), air/smoke option, an option to increase the output of the machine and finally, a plethora of accessories.
Allow me to explain…
…while I was ecstatic about these features, they work in an erratic/inconsistent manner that defeats their very purpose, at least in my experience.
The flow meter, for example, had me wondering the entire time what it meant when it fluctuated up and down; I struggled to use the air the unit outputted and the default smoke is already more than enough for most smoking needs – I found out that I didn’t need any extra.
So, if you’re opting for the ST203 smoke machine and it’s because of the smoke/air option, the flow meter, etc, you’d probably be disappointed.
However, as a basic unit, it will do just fine but again, why pay a premium when you really need basic options only? That is what the cheaper and sturdier (in my opinion) ST201 is there for.
If you’re patient and are willing to make the ST203’s various functions work as they should, it’s an option you’ll certainly have fun with.
Love the Above? Subscribe for More
Throttle Lan
DIY Mechanic and Freelance Auto Writer