I have a dumb question about removing the AIR pump while I still have the catalytic converter on the car. Will it cause any problems as far as making the cat go bad quicker or anything like that? I know that the AIR pump helps in the functioning of the cat, so I dont want to cause any harm to it. Im putting an offroad pipe on soon anyways, but I was just wondering about this. Thanks.

Joel

 

I have asked this question also but have not got any answers. My airpump is on it's way out again (this will be the second replacement pump). This may be my weekend project.....

 

My airpump hasnt been on the car in years. I've had no problem with the cats.

 

As I understand it, the purpose of the airpump is to warm up the cat more quickly after engine start. As the cat is not effective until it reaches a certain temp the car runs 'dirtier' just after start. The more quickly the cats are warmed up the faster the car runs 'cleaner'. I don't see how the lack of a airpump would do anything harmful to the cat. You just may not be emissions compliant immediately following a cold start up. My airpump has been INOP for over a year with no noticeable negative effects.

JeffA

 

Cats can be damaged from excess fuel and we all know how rich the engine runs at cold startup. How much fuel it takes to damage one is another matter.

So, I guess the answer to your question is maybe. Based on the responses you have gotten so far, the odds look like you will be ok, especially for the short haul.