Gutting the AIR pump?

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Oct 4, 2007 | 02:16 AM

K87ZZ4

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From: Edmonds WA

Gutting the AIR pump?

I've read some other posts that talk about gutting the AIR (Smog) pump by removing the vanes in the pump. I'm thinking of doing that since I just replaced the entire exhaust system from the exhaust manifolds to the tips and have new cats that don't require the additional air to light off.

How difficult is it to remove the vanes in the AIR pump? How much time should I allow?

I was told by a shop that checked out the car that one of the valves that directs the air is stuck in one position. I'm thinking it might be cheaper and faster and easier to gut the pump than to replace the solenoid valve.

Thanks!

Oct 4, 2007 | 02:51 AM

Qiken

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From: Victoria

Yeah I done mine,under an hour,with couple of beers.the vanes are accesssed through the rear and of pump and knock out easily with a screwdriver.
Why waste your money on a bypass,this mod works the same.

Oct 4, 2007 | 03:46 AM

86PACER

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From: Santa Maria CA

Two ways. Either way is easy.

The first involves removing the pump from the car, removing it's back plate cover, and then using a large screwdriver and a hammer to break the vanes down to small enough peices that they will shake out through the rear opening.

The second is similar, only that here you actually remove the rear bearing race, then the two vanes can fit through the opening intact without having to break them down. This allows you to make the pump functional again if you wanted to or needed to. The bearing is a press fit.

Oct 4, 2007 | 06:53 AM

BADDUCK

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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by K87ZZ4

You won't gain anything. Just tie the air tube up out of the way.

Oct 4, 2007 | 06:54 AM

86PACER

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From: Santa Maria CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by BADDUCK

You won't gain anything. Just tie the air tube up out of the way.

He ain't doing it for power. It looks likes he's trying to avoid having to buy an air diverter valve.

Gutting the pump is more for eliminating noise anyway.

Oct 4, 2007 | 07:06 AM

BADDUCK

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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas

Yep, the hacksaw and hammer approach to maintenance.

Oct 4, 2007 | 10:03 AM

K87ZZ4

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From: Edmonds WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86PACER

He ain't doing it for power. It looks likes he's trying to avoid having to buy an air diverter valve.

Gutting the pump is more for eliminating noise anyway.

That's true in my case. The *easiest* thing would be to remove the tube coming from the pump, but I've heard the pump makes a lot of noise. So, that's why it seemed like the best approach might be to just gut the pump, since it seems I won't need the AIR pump in the future to help light the cats.

I've also heard that the air diverter valve is difficult to find and expensive, to boot. Seems kinda silly to spend a lot of time and money to find and buy a part that isn't really going to do any good anymore. But, as I said, whichever way is cheaper, faster and easier. I don't have a lot of time and special tools (such as a press) available at the moment.

Thanks for the help!