Air Pump tube dealings... What can I do??

[Winfaulker]

I tried to search because I am sure this has been asked, but I couldn't find exactly the answer I needed. Just ordered a UPR catted X-pipe only to realize afterwards that it does not have a place to hook up the tube from the smog pump. I read just to block it off, but from my knowledge of how the egr system works, that seems it could cause problems. Do you guys have any input or suggestions on what to do? I live in California and I need to pass smog. I have also read that it can pass without the tube hook up. Does anyone know?

 

[jrichker]

You will probably fail the visual check if the smog tech crawls under the car.
[Newer catalytic converters do not use the Thermactor Air System (smog pump) because they are designed to work with an improved computer system that runs leaner and cleaner
They add an extra set of O2 sensors after the catalytic converters to monitor the oxygen and HC levels. Using this additional information, the improved computer system adjusts the air/fuel mixture for cleaner combustion and reduced emissions. If the computer cannot compensate for the added load of emissions due to wear and poor tune, the catalytic converters will eventually fail and clog. The periodic checks (smog inspections) are supposed to help owners keep track of problems and get them repaired.

The fix is to weld a T pipe for the Smog tuble output onto the H pipe.

 

[Winfaulker]

Well that seems like a real pain, maybe I will just go with a different x-pipe. I think the one bbk offers has a hook up for the pump. Why would they make an x-pipe like this if the lack of the pump hook up is bad for the cats? doesn't seem to make sense

 

[AnthonyR23]

Hey, I don't mean to highjack this thread, but I have a broken smog tube, and can't really find where I can get a replacement, anyone know where I could find one? Or what the proper name is for this tube, exhaust smog tube, 02 tube??

Thanks

 

[jrichker]

Well that seems like a real pain, maybe I will just go with a different x-pipe. I think the one bbk offers has a hook up for the pump. Why would they make an x-pipe like this if the lack of the pump hook up is bad for the cats? doesn't seem to make sense

Because it is cheaper to do it that way. Look at the warranty you get with the catalytic H pipe. It probably isn't long enough to cover failure due to excess deposits from a worn or poorly tuned engine. The catalytic H pipe fails and the warranty (if any) has run out. You are stuck with the problem and the manufacturer doesn't have to pay out a nickel in warranty costs..

What happens when there is no extra air from the smog pump...
As engines age, the quality of tune decreases and wear causes them to burn oil. We have all seem cars that go down the road puffing blue or black smoke from the tailpipe. Oil consumption and poor tune increase the amount of HC the oxidation catalyst has to deal with. The excess HC that the converters cannot oxidize due to lack of extra air becomes a crusty coating inside the honeycomb structure. This effectively reduces the size of the honeycomb passageways and builds up thicker over time and mileage. Continuous usage under such conditions will cause the converter to fail and clog. The extra air provided by the Thermactor Air System (smog pump) is essential for the oxidation process. It oxidizes the added HC from oil consumption and poor tune and keeps the HC levels within acceptable limits.

Newer catalytic converters do not use the Thermactor Air System (smog pump) because they are designed to work with an improved computer system that runs leaner and cleaner
They add an extra set of O2 sensors after the catalytic converters to monitor the oxygen and HC levels. Using this additional information, the improved computer system adjusts the air/fuel mixture for cleaner combustion and reduced emissions. If the computer cannot compensate for the added load of emissions due to wear and poor tune, the catalytic converters will eventually fail and clog. The periodic checks (smog inspections) are supposed to help owners keep track of problems and get them repaired.