What's the thing the fan belt is driving?

[benr7132]

I know this is a really dumb question, but anyone have any idea what the belt is driving on the left hand side of my engine?

[DUK]

airpump

[Flieger]

If your car is pre 1975, take it off!

[benr7132]

No, it's a 1980 SC. Is it emissions crap or what?

[Wilhelm]

Originally Posted by benr7132

No, it's a 1980 SC. Is it emissions crap or what?

Yes..part of the emissions control system. Since your car isnt Smog exempt in CA, you will need to keep it on the car and in working order to pass Smog checks.

[benr7132]

Got it...thanks everyone...

[JP911]

I thought 79 was the last year for the smog pump?

[Alan Lindquist]

My 1980SC has passed three times in the last five years without a smog pump. Lucky? I don't know. You'd think the visual inspection would catch it if it needed it. I doubt that it makes enough difference to determine a pass or fail on the actual tailpipe reading. My car didn't come with a smog pump when I bought it from the PO, but I see indications that it could have been mounted or could accommodate one.

I do a lot of the work on the car myself, but when stuck, I do have a mechanic who specializes in pre-89 Porsches. He has a favorite smog shop around the corner. I'd like to think that the car is passing legally, but maybe his local shop isn't familiar with all the variations of the Porsche motors? Or looks the other way?

Removing it and failing visual inspection is an option. It may be worth a try, but you'd want to make it look clean and natural to give it a real chance.

[maxnine11]

IIRC, a North American 1980 SC does not have an air pump.
Is this a ROW model ??

edit - okay, just looked at the photos of your car by clicking the "garage' link under your user name.
the side marker lights and headlights hint that it actually may be a euro model.



(very nice looking SC, by the way ! )

[maxnine11]

[maxnine11]

the small rear rubber bumper things are also an indication of a euro model :

[zotman72]

Take the belt off once you get through emissions at least and reduce the sacraficial drag on the engine. It sends air up into the exhaust area of each head to help in the "complete" burning of hydrocarbons after your engine has tried to do it. Look under the engine and you will see the spyder air lines going to each head. I just helped a Pelican with '82 euro SC with the same device do a valve adjustment and the pump was in place (for emissions visual verification) but the intake pipe below the pump was welded shut. I am sure some greenie Pelican from OR will tell you not to do this but if you can get through emissions without it functioning, I say go for it. FWIW, I used to race PCA with an Euro SC motor and it is definitely a strong, fun engine. YMMV and my advice is worth what you paid for it...

[Joe Bob]

My 83 euro had one.....