[F355 Challenge]

As I mentioned previously, my 1976 308 GTB is stock. A previous owner removed the belts to both air pumps. There's no telling when this was done during the car's 26 year history. Though both air pumps' pulleys turn easily, I'm inclined to leave things the way they are. Is there any harm in this? Years ago when I had a 1969 MGB, I used to remove the belt to the air pump and put it back on for inspection. My car no longer has to pass emissions inspection.

I have read numerous postings regarding this and I was hoping that Magoo or Peter could offer their insights.

 

[BRUNO]

Most of the tech articles I read say either take it all off or leave it all together.Dont just go inbetween and unhook belts. There is alot to talk about here as the system has a lot of parts that you dont see.I know many people who simply run without pumps and/or belts and have no problems.I'll see if I can find an article on it an post it.

 

[Pete04222]

Disclaimer - I haven't studied the air pump on the Ferrari so take this info with a grain of salt. (BTW- mine is still hooked up)

On my Jeep, the air pump seized up about 8 years ago. I removed the air pump and all the related fittings, hoses, etc. That really cleaned up the engine bay. No problems with it at all 8 years later. All the air pump does (on the Jeep) is inject fresh air into the exhaust system to help burn off any hydrocarbons left in the gases that leave the cylinders. It reduces emissions.

If the car runs fine, I would agree with you and be inclined to leave it alone.

 

[Magoo]

I understand what Bruno is saying. If you take the belt off the pump and don't disconnect everything else the injector pipes will eventually burn off and start leaking ehaust. The problem in removing those parts is that it is a "bear" trying to work on it in the engine compartment. Many times the threads are frozen and won't come out, then what? My components are not rusted out yet but I feel that I will have to make that decision soon also.

 

[F355 Challenge]

Thanks, Magoo. That's just what I read in other postings regarding the injector nozzles and difficulty removing all air pump emissions components. Any harm in the eventual exhaust leak?

Barry

 

[Magoo]

I wouldn't I would be able to stand it. Makes the car sound cheap. Otherwise It won't hurt the engine.

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

I took the opportunity to remove the remaining injector-junk from my engine when it was out for service, as that's all that was left on the engine (after the P.O. pulled the pumps, valves and hosing out). I had stainless-steel plugs made for me by a machinist friend to fill up the holes. It is now properly de-smogged (no emis. tests for me as well).

You either run the system complete, or remove it completely.

Air-pumps are the same as GM (part #7817807). Diverter valves and check valves are also GM. Injectors however are Ferrari and unobtainable and worth more than their weight in gold...

 

[F355 Challenge]

Magoo and Peter,

Thank you for your advice in this matter. I'll be in touch with the previous owners to find out when the belts were removed. If it was recently and the pumps are in good shape, I'll see about placing new belts. I have the feeling that the belts were removed two years ago when the last major service was performed by an independent service shop. Prior to that, the car was always serviced at Algar Ferrari and records show belt changes in 1997.

In any event, the injectors would need to be examined. If they're in good shape, I'll see about replacing the pumps, if necessary.

Peter's alternative would be the best if the injectors are shot. That can probably wait until the next major service.

Thank you all again,
Barry

 

[Magoo]

Barry, Be sure that the pump turns freely. There should be very little resistance when turning it. You should be able to turn it with one hand and easilly but it won't spin like a alternator pulley. Not to be a alarmist here but the horrer stories I heard about the pump locking up and throwing the timing belt off a tooth or even completely throwing it off makes me shiver every time I think of it. Now mind you this is only what I have heard from others who have heard but I still think about it. Also that belt on my 79 GTS runs awful close to the hose going into the head. Out of adjustment I am sure it would cut the hose. Nice things to think about huh? Anyway make sure the pump pulley is free.

 

[BRUNO]

I too have heard that smog pumps that have been sitting do get tight and can cause timing belt to skip or worse. Should move like Magoo said. You might feel slight resistance when it pumps but still 1 hand turn effort.I am using th gm pump from a junk yard on my car.fits and runs perfect.had to shim pump pulley out with washers.

 

[F355 Challenge]

Magoo and Bruno,

Both of the pumps do turn exactly as you describe. I cannot hear any exaust leak either so hopefully the injector nozzles are OK. Anyway, I would have the pumps looked at by Classic Coach's service department the next time in. They could check out the other components in the system and if they feel everything checks out OK, I'll let them put on the belts. That should keep the injectors from deteriorating.

The belts have been off since 6/00, 2000 miles.

I certainly share those same fears.

Thanks again for your assistance.
Barry