DYI rebuild a smog pump?

[BernieP]

Is it possible to DYI rebuild an air (smog) pump?
I have a 1980 Euro SC with a bad pump that I would like to get working for the yearly emmissions test. Any one ever taken one apart and repaired it?

Thanks
BernieP

[Jim Sims]

I had a friend take one apart and replace the bearings (the bearings were replaced by a local guy who rebuilds alternators). Upon reassembly the pump would lockup and not turn properly. I took on the challenge of finding what was wrong. It turned out there was a very subtle reassembly error; it was possible to get a part in backwards (I seem to recall it had to do with a vane). When you take the pump apart, carefully note, record and mark the orientation of every part and put it back together the same way so you don't have to spend two hours figuring out why it won't turn when you put it back together. Jim

[83911sc]

Bernie-

Did removing the smog pump make much of a difference in performance? I was thinking about doing this to my car (1983), but did not know if it was worthwhile. What do you think?

Adam

[pbs911]

Did removing the smog pump make much of a difference in performance? I was thinking about doing this to my car (1983), but did not know if it was worthwhile. What do you think?

I didn't notice any gain in performance by removing the air pump, and it doesn't do anything to protect the environment. It merely dilutes the exhaust with fresh air. However, you will gain much needed access to the left side of the engine compartment by removing it. If you need it for future emissions tests, removing it also prevents it from self destructing one week before the emissions test and having to plunk down another $100 for a used one (Murphy's law).

[83911sc]

Thanks for the info -

How about a cat bypass - is it a worthwhile ben franklin and knuckle busting? (No, I'm not _trying_ to mess with the air around my car, it just seems that I see a lot of posts with people making these modifications).


Adam