Air Pump / Converter Question

[lrdg]

What is the baisc purpose of the tube from the air pump to the catalytic converter? I thought it basically recycles the gases for an oxygen sensor. Someone told me the other day that it provided cooling to the converter to prevent fires. I hope that makes sense. Does anyone know for sure? If I don’t have the computer, do I need the connection? (Physically as opposed to legally.)

Thanks

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

it pumps fresh air into the cat converter to accelerate the chemical reaction inside the converter (just like blowing on a fire to make it burn quicker)...to help the converter do its job.

modern cat converters are efficient enough that they no longer need special air supplies.

if you run your current cat without its air supply, its the equivalent of running an engine "rich". it can cause heat to build up in the converter, which could potentially melt the substrate (this happened on my escort). it could also cause excess carbon deposits to build up, plugging the converter.

 

[enginepaul]

The computer controls the amount and timing of air by dumping some air into the atmosphere. The air is, as said above, used to help keep things clean.
I would run the pump straight to the converter. This is based on what I have read, I have all the original stuff here in California.
And some cat converters are designed to be run without air.

 

[ammocj]

So, would it be safe to run a new cat-converter without the air on this motor?
I'm thinking about putting a cat back on mine and found a universal one for less than $100.

I'm trying to be somewhat environmentally conscious.

Al

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

yes, you could run a new, universal cat without hooking up the air system.

 

[Mavrick70004]

But would not running the Air system still let it pas smog? Even though the cat is still doing its job. Don't you "technically" have to run the emission parts that came with the vehicle, unless approved by a ref.?

 

[Hahnsb2]

But would not running the Air system still let it pas smog? Even though the cat is still doing its job. Don't you "technically" have to run the emission parts that came with the vehicle, unless approved by a ref.?

All depends on how picky inspectors are. They've never even popped my hood or looked under my rig around here.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

its "technicaly" against federal law to remove any emissions equipment originaly installed on your rig, yes. since you're likely doing more harm to the environment with an old, worn out smog pump system than you will with a spankin' new, more efficient cat converter...i think we can let it slide

local laws vary. while you "should" pass the sniffer with a new cat and a smog delete, i cant garantee it since there are too many variables. if you wanted to try, you could leave the smog pump and hoses installed and just cap everything off...that way if you dont pass, all you need to do it plug it all back in. obviously if you have a visual inspection in your area you'll fail that without the smog stuff.