Quick answer. A 2005 Mercedes E55 AMG with 123,318 miles came in for a smoke test. Our tech filled the intake with smoke and marked the joint where the throttle body meets the intake. The job then replaced two throttle body gaskets. The bill was $311.38.
Key Points
- A smoke test fills the intake with smoke so a leak shows where it is.
- Our tech circled the throttle body joint on the video.
- The job replaced two throttle body gaskets at $5.69 each.
- The bill was $311.38: $150 smoke test, $150 labor and $11.38 in gaskets.
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What a Smoke Test Does
An engine pulls air in through one path. Any air that sneaks in somewhere else is a leak. The computer does not know about that air, and the engine runs off.
You cannot see air. So we use smoke. The machine pushes harmless smoke into the intake. Wherever it comes out, that is the leak.
On this E55 the smoke machine sat right on top of the engine. This is the supercharged 5.5 V8, with a lot of hoses and joints to check.
The Spot Our Tech Marked
Our tech took a video during the test. Then drew a yellow circle on it to show the owner exactly where to look.
The circle sits on the joint where the throttle body bolts to the intake. That joint seals with a gasket.
The job lines show what came next. Two throttle body gaskets at $5.69 each, and one hour of labor at $150 to do the work.
That is the whole point of the test. A $150 hour of smoke told us where to spend the next hour. Nobody had to guess at hoses on a car like this.
2005 Mercedes E55 AMG, 123,318 miles, September 13
Came in for: a smoke test.
Tech marked: the throttle body joint on the intake.
What was done: two throttle body gaskets replaced.
Cost: $311.38. $150 test, $150 labor, $11.38 gaskets.
The video, the circle and the job lines all live on the same job in Shop Desk. Our San Jacinto shop built it, and any mechanic can use it free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a smoke test on a car?
A machine pushes harmless smoke into the intake. Wherever smoke comes out, air is leaking in. It shows a vacuum leak you cannot see.
How much is a smoke test?
On this E55 the smoke test was $150 for one hour.
How much did the throttle body gaskets cost?
Two gaskets at $5.69 each, $11.38. Labor to fit them was one hour at $150.
Do you work on Mercedes AMG cars?
Yes. This was a 2005 E55 AMG with the supercharged 5.5 V8.
Will I see where the leak is?
Yes. On this car our tech drew a circle on the video so the owner could see the exact spot.
Supercanic tip: If a shop wants to replace a pile of hoses to chase a vacuum leak, ask for a smoke test first. It is one hour and it points at the spot. Call us at (951) 904-2477.
Chasing a Vacuum Leak?
One smoke test, $150. We show you the spot before we fix it.
