Is This an Air Pump?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert Arizona
Is This an Air Pump?
I've had an unusual noise coming from the front/driver side of the engine compartment. So, with the engine running, I used a very long, thick regular screwdriver as a make-shift stethescope and listened to various things, trying to figure out what was making the noise. As soon as I put the screwdriver blade up against what I believe is the air/smog pump, and put my ear against the handle-end of the screwdriver, I heard the same unusual noise -- of course, amplified much louder through the screwdriver.
Now, I'm glad I've isolated the source of the problem ... but I am not 100% confident that the unit making the sound is an air pump. But, by process of elimination, I figure it's gotta be that. Here are two pictures, each with a white arrow pointing to the unit I'm talking about:
My question to you is:
1. Is this the air pump? (if not, what is it?)
2. Is it as easy to replace as it looks?
3. Any words of advice about replacing it?
If it is in fact an air pump, though I'd like to put one of those "eliminiator" brackets in, I will need to replace it with a real air pump due to SCCA A-stock regulations that govern the type of autocrossing I do.
Thanks in advance for any advice/comments/suggestions.
Now, I'm glad I've isolated the source of the problem ... but I am not 100% confident that the unit making the sound is an air pump. But, by process of elimination, I figure it's gotta be that. Here are two pictures, each with a white arrow pointing to the unit I'm talking about:
My question to you is:
1. Is this the air pump? (if not, what is it?)
2. Is it as easy to replace as it looks?
3. Any words of advice about replacing it?
If it is in fact an air pump, though I'd like to put one of those "eliminiator" brackets in, I will need to replace it with a real air pump due to SCCA A-stock regulations that govern the type of autocrossing I do.
Thanks in advance for any advice/comments/suggestions.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: Is This an Air Pump? (SkunkCar)
Yes that's the AIR pump. I can't imagine it would be hard to replace, but you're probably the only person who has ever actually replaced one rather than just removing it. Of course you have good reason. Good luck :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Glendale Az
Re: Is This an Air Pump? (SkunkCar)
Air pumps always make noise because they have no lube on their vanes. In AZ, they look during emissions. Ten minutes to replace it. Longer to install the eliminator kit, only uses a couple of horses to run. Take it apart and pull the vanes out, looks stock and you have your own eliminator kit. :chevy
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: edmonton ab
Re: Is This an Air Pump? (69vetteracer)
having installed air pump eliminator kit..remove air pump 20 minutes.. install air pump eliminator bracket...10 minutes...done.... save your HP for something else...:thumbs:
http://ca.msnusers.com/vettek50/shoe...hoto&PhotoID=2 :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
[Modified by vettek50, 6:42 PM 9/28/2003] [IMG]http://ca.msnusers.com/vettek50/shoe...hoto&PhotoID=2 [/IMG]
[Modified by vettek50, 6:44 PM 9/28/2003]
http://ca.msnusers.com/vettek50/shoe...hoto&PhotoID=2 :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
[Modified by vettek50, 6:42 PM 9/28/2003] [IMG]http://ca.msnusers.com/vettek50/shoe...hoto&PhotoID=2 [/IMG]
[Modified by vettek50, 6:44 PM 9/28/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 1
From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: Is This an Air Pump? (SkunkCar)
This is what you do;
Remove the pump, take it apart, cut the vanes out of it, and lube the bearings, then reinstall.
Voila, that power robbing POS instantly eliminates itself, and still looks like an AirPump. Total Cost? 1.5 hours
:cool:
Remove the pump, take it apart, cut the vanes out of it, and lube the bearings, then reinstall.
Voila, that power robbing POS instantly eliminates itself, and still looks like an AirPump. Total Cost? 1.5 hours
:cool:
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Newnan Ga
Re: Is This an Air Pump? (1990CORVETTE)
I haven't disassembled one of these , but the ones that I have disasssembled have carbon vanes. These thing wear out fast. I replaced one on my 87 and put a few thousand miles on it and now the new one is noisy too. :crazy:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert Arizona
Re: Is This an Air Pump? (87NassauBlue)
Yeah, the problem on my pump is noisy bearings ... and getting noisier each time I drive it. I'm afraid it's too late to simply oil the bearings. Assuming they're a sealed unit ( ? ) they're probably already close to being toast.
Maybe I'll pick up a salvage unit and gut it.
Does anybody who's gutted an A.I.R. pump have any "words of caution" for somebody who will be doing so?
Maybe I'll pick up a salvage unit and gut it.
Does anybody who's gutted an A.I.R. pump have any "words of caution" for somebody who will be doing so?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 1
From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: Is This an Air Pump? (SkunkCar)
When you get it apart, you'll see the little plastic veins, it takes some work to get them out, but eventually they will come out. I can't remember if the bearing is greaseable, I remember that it is hard to get to, but I think it is greasable.
Have you seen this AZ thread? http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=661029
Have you seen this AZ thread? http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=661029
