A.I.R on/off pros and con

[ReggieD]

1992 LT1 vette.


My air pump sometimes makes a lot of noise. I read somewhere that I can disable the A.I.R pump.


a) What is this pump used for?

b) If disabled, will my SES light trigger with an A.I.R code error?

c) If disabled, will I pass Georgia’s Emission yearly test?

d) What is the benefit for disabling the A.I.R. pump?

e) SES code 26 is linked to an A.I.R. relay problem, why is the pump important to the operation of the car?

 

[WhalePirot]

Yeah, they are kinda noisy.

They pump fresh air into the exhaust, at a couple of different points, depending upon conditions, to complete the combustion process; cleaning up the exhaust. The CAT needs the air when conditions require that the air goes to it; after it is warmed up.

The pump takes very little power from the engine.

 

[nyernga]

c) If disabled, will I pass Georgia’s Emission yearly test?

Not likely I'm afraid. BTW Reggie, when you get the car tested, make sure they leave the clam shell down. My 88 failed two years ago and when my mechanic brought the himself to the emmission test, he very firmly told the tester to close the hood.....with no repairs having been made the car passed with flying colors. Same thing this past January...hood down, car passed.

Len

ps: air pumps aren't expensive and replacement is easy.

 

[Vettefan87]

Mic's car passed with NO CATS. I don't know how many of us can reproduce that http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69188 You will not be able to run your cats if you remove that air stuff, so that would have to go as well.

 

[c4cruiser]

The AIR pump is electric on the 92 so it's not really taking any HP at all to run. It's located in the left side headlamp well so if you can hear it, it must be pretty loud!!

You will get codes if the pump is removed and emissions will suffer.

 

[Tuna]

I found that the foam filter for the AIR pump had turned to power so I replaced it with some custom cut foam from a lawn mower air filter. That seems to have quieted down my AIR pump noise some.

Then again, I've almost always noticed some noise from it as it is always on just after a cold start.

 

[larry bud]

The AIR pump is electric on the 92 so it's not really taking any HP at all to run. It's located in the left side headlamp well so if you can hear it, it must be pretty loud!!

You will get codes if the pump is removed and emissions will suffer.

Anything that pulls power from the alternator IS using power, albeit indirectly.

 

[ZumZum]

Mic's car passed with NO CATS. I don't know how many of us can reproduce that http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69188 You will not be able to run your cats if you remove that air stuff, so that would have to go as well.

You can still run cats with no AIR pump. They just won't operate as efficiently until the car reaches prime operating temperature. If you need to pass sniff test just make sure the car is thoroughly warmed up first. Course it wouldn't pass a visual.

 

[Vettefan87]

I would not advise that, you will end up plugging the cat. The cat needs extra air to burn all the un burnt gases. I would not run the cat without it.

 

[vader86]

You will not plug up the cats, and you will pass a sniffer test, but you will not pass a visual if they have it in Georgia.

 

[ReggieD]

Getting back to the original question

Guys we are getting off track. The A.I.R. pump is electric for the 1992 vette. I removed mine today to see if it was malfunctioning. The pump has a 25 amp fuse in series with it to the relay. The fuse was blown. After removing the AIR pump I let the car run for about 5 mins and then the SES light came on (code 26). I bypassed the fuse to see if the motor works ( THe motor turned on, so it works) THe plastic blades on the AIR pump blower were worn against the housing. I also noticed a lot of play in the motor shaft. THis may be a bad bearing in the motor.

Question:
a) Once the AIR pump was removed, why did the SES light not come on instantly? Why did it take 5 to 10 mins?

b) Can I rebuild the AIR pump?
Will a blown AIR pump fuse cause a code 26?

 

[Vettefan87]

So what is the tube there for anyway then?

The SES light comes on because that and the EGR are somewhat related. At least that is the way it is with my brothers car.

 

[grapeknutz]

Not likely I'm afraid. BTW Reggie, when you get the car tested, make sure they leave the clam shell down. My 88 failed two years ago and when my mechanic brought the himself to the emmission test, he very firmly told the tester to close the hood.....with no repairs having been made the car passed with flying colors. Same thing this past January...hood down, car passed.

Len

ps: air pumps aren't expensive and replacement is easy.

I hate to say this but that type of smog pump is a electric drive type and is very expensive to replace!:W

 

[nyernga]

I hate to say this but that type of smog pump is a electric drive type and is very expensive to replace!:W

I stand corrected. My 88 isn't electric...

apologies to Reg

Len