1st... Lots of good info on the site... thanks to all for that
2nd... I've read a lot on the subject, but can't find the last couple of answers..

OK. I've got a 95 Z28 (A4, if that matters)... basically stock, but I'm slowly working on "free mods".

I'm removing the air pump ("smog pump" to some... included the terms to help future searchers)

Steps so far..
1) Removed the air pump itself (2 10mm bolts) from the front driver side of the engine... (under the air intake elbow)
2) disconnected the rubber hose to the metal tubing that leads to both exhaust manifolds (stock)
3) zip tied off the electrical connection feeding the air pump

W/ the air pump out, I took out the vacuum solenoid and lines (and plugged the vacuum line at the elbow next the intake manifold (center, and just above the driver's side valve cover)

I know that once I take the "secondary air injection" BS off the exhaust manifolds that I'll need to plug them w/ M22-1.5 oil drain plugs, and I'll need a 5/8" vacuum cap to block the air intake hole that the air pump was "fed from"... (thx Fred)

Questions:
1) On the metal tubing (shaped kinda like a U) that feeds air from the air pump to both exhaust manifolds, what brackets is it connected to, and where? (Its in there pretty good, and I don't want to just "muscle it")
2) I assume that its OK to take off the vacuum lines all the way back to near the intake manifold... And, I assume that that vacuum line needs to be plugged (1/8" vacuum cap, I guess???)

Thanks again for all of the info..

John T

 

Yes, you want to plug any unused vacuum ports. The only way to remove the metal U-shaped pipe with the engine in the car is to cut it at the bottom, middle and remove the hold down bolts (one on the AIR pump and I think the other is by the a/c bracket).

 

I assume that this metal tube can not be emoved in one piece from what you guys are describing without yanking the motor.

I would love to remove all the air pump but I am wierd about not being able to replace the pipe if I had to for whatever reason.

 

Cutting it in the middle is actually the method described in the factory manual for removing it while the engine is in the car. When putting it back in, you merely use a rubber hose and clamps to join it back together.

The metal pipe has tabs on it for securing it with bolts.

 

Brilliantly simple. Thats what I wanted to know.

 

Thanks guys...

I'm gonna cut that bad boy out.

I did feel that its attached on the passenger side, so I'll work on that.

JT

 

M22-1.5 plugs are too big for the holes left in my stock manifolds.

Any other sizes?

(Obviously next time I go to the parts place I'll take along one of the pieces that used to be in that hole).

thx

JT

 

Well just finished my A.I.R. pump removal. Good lawd that damm metal tube is hard to remove even when it is cut in half. Removing the alternator helped a bit, however the rest of it was gravy.

I found some 21mm plugs for my headers, I had to cut some depth off of them but I can be confident of no header leaks where the air pump fitting used to be. This was one of the reasons for doing this, plus it really cleaned up the engine compartment. Also opti acess is going to be much easier in the future when the day comes.

Surprisingly enough I have not received any error pump codes yet. Looks like its time for another updated tune just in case.

 

werd... good idea... thanks

 

When I was thinking of a good way to plug the header, I decided to take the part that threads on to a local exhaust show to have it welded closed. He only charged me $5 for it, but I gave him double that because it was very helpful. Just an idea for ya

 

So did you throw a code after removing the air pump.

 

Damn, I don't remember plugging off a vacuum line when I removed mine. Did I miss something, or is a 94 different?

 

I'd check your CAI for a nipple on the back/under side of it. The good news is that its before the MAF so it wouldn't be considered a vaccume leak. The bad news is that its sucking air in with no filter

 

I plugged that one up already. I'm talking about a small vacuume line. I guess I need to go home and have a looky. I've been wondering why my rear bumper is black around the tailpipes.

 

Nope, but I may have already had it tuned out of the computer... can't remember which I did first

Yep, as Toby said, check under your CAI. I'm pretty sure there's a vacuum line that needs to be capped on the intake manifold... maybe two. Can anybody confirm?