Air pump delete?
 

I just got my 93 back up and running after a long lapse, and the bearings in the air pump seem to have died during the cars time down (Loud rubbing metal on metal "bearing" sound when running, and when turning the pump by hand, a quieter version of the same )
I dont have the cash to replace it right now, so I need to know what size belt I would need to bypass it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but running w/o the air pump shouldnt cause any driveability probs, right?

Thanks for your help,

J

It shouldn't be a problem only if you don't have cats. The air pump supply's air to the cats to keep carbon from building up and clogging, so if you still have cats, then replace your pump.

I've actually had my pump off for two years now, and it won't cause any problems, except throw a code for the vacuum line that was disconnected, no check engine light though. The belt size for bypassing the smog pump will be a 84.5" belt.

Smog pump is available at Autozone for $31.99. I imagine other parts suppliers run about the same price.

I wouldn't run without one, but some folks do.

bummer, unfortunatly, I do have the stock h-pipe, so I guess another trip to the parts store is in order for this weekend. Are there any pitfalls/tricks I should be aware of for replacing
it?
( I was under the impression that all it did was add o2 to the mix to dilute the emissions:rolleyes: )

J

smog pump
 

Nope...you need the pump if you have cats. As for the install...it's very easy.

WTF is a air pump? I have not seen one in 6 years:D

My answer to everything: Silicone!

Disconnect the actual air hose from the top of the pump so you dont spray silicone into your cats. Then get some wd-40 or tire wet and douse the pump. If you can, remove the front pulley and the output neck on the top and spray into the fins on the front and into the air neck on the side. Also, get a straw and spray into the little breather hole on the back. Then try and cover it with as much paper towels as you can, reattach the pulley and start the car! What a mess, but it beats replacing the pump! She'll not make a peep for at least a month.

I have a special smog pump that I use to pass emissions with. I call it the smog-charger! It's a seized up smog pump from years ago. I disassembled it, sanded the inside for some extra clearance, drilled out the leftover stock alternator pulley from my OD pulley install and attached it to the front of the smog pump. I then filled the inside with 5000 grit sanding jel and ran the motor for a few minutes. To smooth everything down. Then I siliconed it, reassembled and viola! Poor man's supercharger! This thing FLOWS. It's ridiculous how much air comes out of an airpump spinning 3x as fast as it was meant to. Sounds like a cessna! BZZZZZZZ! It will sieze up again after about 20-25 minutes from the heat (I guess I need to sand more) but it's just enough to pass emissions with flying colors!

Thanks for the tips all, I've already got the part, and will be spending another weekend under the car,lol

J

The air pump supplies air to the exhaust stream and the converter to promote additional burning of exhaust gases such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

If you run the stock H-pipe, you will eventaully clog your converters without an operating air pump.

Well, its in, but it definatly was a cast iron B*** to get back on. The spacer was so tight that I had to smack the pump out and the new one back in with a hammer:mad:
Finally, though, the car is back to full operation!:D
Gettin her tagged tommorow....

Thanks for the info folks,
J

Due to somebody setting the air pump hoses on a hot header while we were working on the car, I have not had the air pump hooked up since '92. I generaly run with an h-pipe & full length headers. However, I have yet to come close to failing an air test. Not even the last time with a 331, 30# injectors & a .544 lift cam. I just put on the cats & back off the timing. Car ran great. Right now I'm running no egr, .600+ lift & a mondo intake. Haven't had it tested yet ,but as long as I can lean it down at idle it should go through. I've seen stock mustangs pass with no cats.