Smog pump removal

Topic: Smog pump removal (Read 4054 times) previous topic - next topic

Smog pump removal

June 13, 2012, 07:12:54 PM

I have an '87 3.8. The smog pump is noisy, the air tube rusted off from the cat fitting a few years ago, and I don't have to worry about emissions testing.

I read an old posting that contains instructions for smog pump removal written by jcassity, and think I might want to just remove all of the extra 'stuff' since it's really not working.

My main concern is that my car might decide to run like after I've removed everything. Has anybody else removed the parts, then ended up wishing they had left it alone because of the problems it caused?

Thanks

Smog pump removal

Reply #1 – June 13, 2012, 08:52:37 PM

I bypassed my smog pump with a shorter belt for 2 years, even passed emissions like that till they noticed it didn't spin.

The smog tubes on the back of the head need to be crimped or blocked off. Other then that, cap the vacuum lines, pull the pump, call it a day.

It doesn't hurt anything being there though. You can get them cheap at a junkyard, and they don't really cost any power at wot. Some people buy an eliminator, but at wot, the pump just freewheels anyways.

Smog pump removal

Reply #2 – June 13, 2012, 08:56:31 PM

Oops, just realixzed you have a 3.8. I think you can just loose the belt on those. I can't remember what I did on my 87 3.8.

Smog pump removal

Reply #3 – June 14, 2012, 08:36:24 AM

My 5.0 car, no problems.

Smog pump removal

Reply #4 – June 14, 2012, 10:20:20 AM

My 88 5.0 car is happier without it. My mid to top end power feels better, too.

Smog pump removal

Reply #5 – June 14, 2012, 06:52:23 PM

Wow I'm surprised it made a noticeable difference. I think I'll delete mine now that I dont have to go through emissions anymore.

Smog pump removal

Reply #6 – June 14, 2012, 08:18:19 PM

I couldn't tell any differance. Getting rid of the silencer seemed to help more, although that might just have been how much louder the engine got playing with my mind.

Smog pump removal

Reply #7 – June 14, 2012, 09:03:01 PM

I removed all that stuff on my 80, and it made the engine much peppier. may be more noticeable on my carbed 302 with inefficient emissions equipment than on a newer fuelie 5.0, just my $.02

Smog pump removal

Reply #8 – June 14, 2012, 09:24:36 PM

Well, it WAS making a load of noise before I removed it...

Smog pump removal

Reply #9 – June 15, 2012, 12:31:25 AM

Mine was making the belt chirp and the box of rocks sound. I ran it temporary and noticed some difference after swapping a "new" junkyard smog pump on. I figure it was the bad bearings and drag on the belt though.

On my old 86, I popped a belt on wot going around a corner. I could tell the secnd the belt let go, because it peeed out hard, and reved a bit quicker. As soon as I saw all the lights on the dash light up, I knew what had happened. I was able to coast it into a checker (now o'rileys) before it overheated, and managed to swap a new belt tensioner pulley on, borrowing some hand tools.

Smog pump removal

Reply #10 – June 19, 2012, 11:30:55 PM

just follow the diy link instructions,,,,,,,,,
you can leave the system **whole system** in place for a "visual" inspection that it is there just to cover your butt.

with belt on, lossen the three 10mm bolts.
loosen tensioner (i hate the 87 & down tentioner)
remove belt
remove smog pully
pry off the very next thing behind the smog pully which is a plastic disk that looks like an impeller / fan thingy
Install a new belt that fits, sort belt
at first your new belt "may" barely by a 1/32'' touch the face of the smog pump,, start car and it will give your belt a small hair cut

delete all the vac lines black, tan, by sparing them back or leave them in place.
you can delete them and the plumbing and cap off the vac lines or simply delete all the vac operated solenoids behind the coolant fill tank.

Smog pump removal

Reply #11 – June 20, 2012, 10:10:56 PM

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like a good way to spend a Saturday.