Smog punp removal

[philfran]

All this is in regards to a stock 78 SC.

I have removed the smog pump and all associated paraphanalia from the engine compartment. What do I do with the air injection lines to the exhaust ports?

Do I undo the lines to each port and plug them there (this looks like a true PITA on driver side) or just leave the main line hooked up and plug up the big end that ends in the engine compartment.

By the way, this is a great board. I have shed many a tear and have had many chuckles from the many posters.

Sometime down the road I will need to rebuild my 3.0 or transplant a 3.6 like Jack did due to one broken head stud. Not sure which way I will go, but hopefully I will have plenty of time to decide!

Thanks in advance for your input.

Phil F

[jmohn]

As long as they're plugged, it really doesn't matter. Of course the "clean looking" way to do it, is to remove the injectors and plug the holes (I think MB makes a plug the correct size, I'm sure someone will post a part number). Fortunately this had already been done when I bought the car, it does look like a "fun" job.

Jerry M
'78 SC

[philfran]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't figure it would make much difference. I will go with just the one plug and then when I update to SSI exhaust down the road the removal will be much easier.

Thanks

Phil

[Erakad]

This is a pretty interesting question. RIght now I'm doing some engine work and have the smog pump off. If I were to leave it off, would the timing or anything else be impacted? Would it run better? Mine is a Euro and former CA car...what are the pros and cons and is just leaving the pump, lines, and injectors the only mechanics necessary?

Hmmm, inquiring minds need to know.

Rob

[Butzip]

OK, let's resurrect a decade old thread..... I too want to yank the air injection pump and associated plumbing out of my SC powered 67' 912. The car came from Cali so I assume that's why it was retained. This car will likely never have to be smogged again so time to go.... Does anything need to be adjusted or considered while removing?? Any insight would be great!!

Brgds, Peter

[Targalid]

I did this on my car. No issues with performance. It makes the engine easier to access when all the lines are removed. There are three studs that attach the air pump to the cam case. The top two studs need either nuts with spacers to keep the cam cover from leaking oil or else remove the studs and replace with bolts and washers. The bottom stud, of the three, simply fills a blind hole. I removed it and left the hole empty. Removing the air lines and air fittings from the cylinder heads can be touchy. Be careful you do not snap any of these fittings. I soaked mine for weeks with PBS Blaster before removing them without any problem. You do not need to remove the air lines after you remove the air pump. You can wait if you want. Replace these air fittings with plugs available from Pelican for cheap. They supply a nice stainless steel plug, PEL-BRC-02.

[redstrosekNic]

+1 on the PB B'laster. It would not be fun to break off an air injector in the head. Mine all came off very easily. I found it was easier to cut the air lines going to the injector, then remove the injectors. This helps especially if the injectors are frozen to the lines. No performance difference, just a cleaner look to the bottom of the engine. Remember to only torque the plugs you put in the heads to around 8-9 ft lbs (IIRC from the How to Rebuild and Modify Porsche 911 engines book)...

[Butzip]

Awesome thanks guys!!

[Algernon]

The only reason for leaving it all on (apart from looking original) is if you still have to pass smog inspection. After it passes, just remove the belt - there should be a one-way valve at the place where the air pipe goes through the tin to the underside - so no problems! Remember to put the belt back on occasionally to stop the pump seizing up - don't ask how I know!
Algernon

[KiwiJohn]

There is no way removing the air pump should impact on performance or timing as someone has asked.
The pump introduces air into the exhaust ports after all combustion is finished.
So just it "sweetens" the exhaust for emissions.
I removed mine and just pinched the lines closed to block them.