air emmision pump to re move or not

[yellowbird]

my 1978 has a functioning air emission pump in illinois i pass emissions every 2 years to increase hp can i disconnect belt or remove pump completely? i have read that disabling pump will over time clog up and actually decrease performance that it is better to leave intact(author Leffingwell}? TO leave or remove that is the question? car has ssi exchangers with stock cat and exhaust thanx for any input

[wholberg]

If you disconnect the belt and leave the pump on the engine, it eventually freezes up. I think this is due to engine heat drying out the seals or the internal lubrication.

If you take the pump out, I would not take the injector manifold off the engine, but rather plug it at the pump end.

If you really want it off for the HP, I would remove it completely and wrap it in plastic so it works when reinstalled for emissions. From my experience with my old '78, you will get a much bigger boost in performance from installing a cat bypass. I had an old cat that I just cleaned the catalyst out of and bolted it on. It still looked stock, but had better pull at the top end.

I wish I still had that old SC, but that's another story.

[oneblueyedog]

I run mine and have no trouble. I had to rebuild the vane guides though(used carbon fiber rod). I heard from one guy the pump keeps the valves cool.

Seems like it might make sense. I just like the original look since my rebuild.

If you remove it you will need to take the air injectors out and plug the heads. Painful if you break one and I don't think it's easy with an in car removal.

[hbkramer]

I removed the injectors and lines last week and I was very thankful that they came out like butter,after a week of PB Blaster . I plugged em with 10mm x 1 mm bolts. much easier to do valves now with all that steel outa the way. ps.. The ssi and ddddddansk 2-1 were the reason to do it and it is a great system . Dont need the airpump in Pa.

[john hejmanowsk]

On my '77 2.7 I simply pulled the air pump off completely and just plugged the air pipe under the motor. The motor was way under Illinois EPA specs. I would just try it and see if you pass.

Pulling the cat off is a good idea. In fact, I have a cat bypass if you want to try it.

John H.

[carmen78sc]

The only reasons I'd pull the pump (and I did) is to clean up the engine compartment or to avoid spending $$$ if it's failing. If you do it, get rid of the air injection manifold and all its plumbery. Leaving the nozzles in there without the pump will eventually ruin them as they'll get plugged with carbon.

There is a small chance, though, that eliminating the pump and keeping the cat could fry the cat over time. The smog pump supplies extra air (o2) into the exhaust just after to exhaust ports to help burn any unburned fuel that's entering the exhaust. If you're car's running rich, it will send too much unburned fuel into the cat, which could melt it.

[Jim Sims]

The horsepower saved by removing the air pump is trivial. It is not like an A/C compressor in terms of engine load. Better access to the engine is the main benefit of removal.

[john walker's workshop]

no HP gain, but it's way easier to access plugs and do valve adjustments without it. just find a rubber cap for the valve that pokes thru the sheetmetal.

[TerryH]

Mine is removed to preserve it. It will be harder and harder to find parts to keep it running. I need it to pass smog for the next million even numbered years or so.... but I'm keeping my eye out for a <'75 to avoid smog crapola altogether.

A brake fluid cap fits tightly on the supply line. I bought a bypass to preserve my cat from the rich exhaust, but found cat to be hollow, so all is good.