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Reasons would be from vacuum leak codes. There are 3 diaphragms in the system: 1 on the fog pump itself (vacuum controlled by a longggg plastic vacuum line running from the pump in the driver bumper area all the way across the front and to the passenger side fender well where the solenoid is, it's wrapped up hidden in the electrical harness and could break anywhere) and 2 diaphragms in the AIR system metal pipes wrapping around the engine. These are more like 1 way valves. If any of these break, you could get unmetered air entering the exhaust, or the smog pump not working itself. Some also delete it for a cleaner look. The pump and tubing together may weigh only 5 lbs.
Benefit is it keeps the stock PCM fuel tables normal (if deleted you'd need a tune), and heats the cats up faster to light-off temperatures on cold starts. IIRC that was the main reason it was introduced.
Other reasons to delete, clean up engine bay, reduce weight a smidge. Reasons not to, cat life, minor tuning needed, wont pass visual in states that test, probably illegal.
I like the illegal part, no such thing as a cold start here, cleaner engine bay and losing weight both cool. The tuning could be a problem. Are there things that need blocking off and parts available to accomplish it. Radiator and condenser are out now to be replaced and the lower radiator support was shipped today so now would be a good time. Thanks for all the help. Aloha Doss
Take the lower driver bumper panel off to remove the pump. IIRC the pump is held in by 3 rubber grommets, super easy to remove. Also, cap the airbox connection and cap/tape the small 1/8" hard vacuum line that ran to the pump. You'll need block off plates that are sold online for the manifolds. If you want to completely remove the metal pipes, I think on either the passenger and/or driver side, the pipe(s) is(are) bolted to a(the) head(s). I've heard it's a PITA to reach. You'll definitely see codes pop up. The open-loop mode on start up expects an excess of air from the pump it will no longer be getting.
Last edited by 02torchred; Feb 11, 2020 at 12:42 AM.