AIR PUMP disable

[copcarcrzy]

I was reading on a website that the A.i.R. pump (SMOG ?) can be disabled, without effecting the emisions test. Is this true and will it cause engine damage.

If it is safe to do any one know how to do it the dealer wants tons of money to fix and the parts for a self fix are expensive as well.
any help would be great

[CD Smalley]

False I believe. The point of the AIR pump is to inject outside air, mainly oxygen, into the exhaust ports to help the older convertors light off quicker and begin reducing emissions sooner. Removing it or disabling it will have the exact opposite effect.

The last AIR pump I bought was about $60USD and took just barely an hour to replace.

[copcarcrzy]

$60.00 WOW was it NEW ??

[CD Smalley]

Yup.

[copcarcrzy]

where did you get it ??

[CD Smalley]

Local parts store to me.

[bobss396]

A couple of good places to check part prices online is at the Napa, Auto Zone and Advance Auto Parts sites. They'll even give you store locations close to you and tell you if the part is in stock most of the time.

[2000CAYukon]

You don't mention what year your caprice is; however, the 95-96 models did have a TSB that allowed for the air pump to be disabled.

Here is the TSB http://www.impalassforum.com/tech/en...p/air_pump.htm

//2000CAYukon

[vette_7t9]

Umm...on aftermarket headers that dont have the AIR inserts, will i pass emissions??

[bobss396]

I have a degree in Automotive Engineering, so I know what I'm talking about... usually. Be very careful when you're changing to aftermarket parts. I'm not a big believer in headers unless they're installed by a shop that knows what they're doing. You can end up with less HP than what you started with. I think you'd be better off with some stock appearing reworked manifolds, which are available. Headers for street cars are too much of a compromise.

To answer your emissions question, it probably will not pass without a fully compliant hookup. But that depends on how tight the emissions are for your area and vehicle application.

[MyNeoN95]

People people, I got my air pump like new at a dealer in Michigan and got it for $15 dollas.

But yeah My car stalled and found that the air pump seized. and I didn't now what was wrong until I took off the belt and tried turning my pullys and found my air pump went bad.

[redimpss5]

Gee, Bob is not as smart as he said. 1st, yes there is a TSB to cover the air pump! The air pump really is just a big blow dryer that is supposed to warm the cats. (for only 3 minutes) And the federal gov decided it was not needed. Next, there are 3 header company's that have CARB approved headers for your car that will improve many areas of your cars's performance areas!! Better yet, 50 state approved for smog!! Many cars are made to be driven, and thats great for some, but anything can be improved!! Better yet, it can be done legally!!

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by redimpss5

Gee, Bob is not as smart as he said. 1st, yes there is a TSB to cover the air pump! The air pump really is just a big blow dryer that is supposed to warm the cats. (for only 3 minutes) And the federal gov decided it was not needed. Next, there are 3 header company's that have CARB approved headers for your car that will improve many areas of your cars's performance areas!! Better yet, 50 state approved for smog!! Many cars are made to be driven, and thats great for some, but anything can be improved!! Better yet, it can be done legally!!

You take a vehicle through the IM240 or IM167 test and see if it passes with a disabled AIR pump.

Unless you can show evidence (such as the GM TSB), they will consider it tampering and will fail the car.

[bobss396]

redimpss5, FYVM for the nice comment, I appreciate it.