DIY: Air Pump inspection & repair
08-14-2008, 01:33 PM
#1
DIY: Air Pump inspection & repair
I have not completed this yet once I get the air pump I will fill you all in.
Hi All If you are experiencing a high pitched buzzing noise on cold starts it is most likely a failed air pump. FYI my 8 has 100,810 miles on it and it failed now.
the easiest way to test it is to
wait for engine to be cold not started within 8-9 hours.
unplug the air pump unit located on the passenger side it is located right next to the strut it looks like a carbon canister. there is a black two prong plug on the unit itself that needs to be unplugged.
start the car the noise should have gone away and it should sound like your backfiring a little bit.
once the engine is started go around and plug the pump back in it should sound like a air mattress pump which is essentially what it is.
I will finish this install with a complete DIY if anyone wants it. a new unit costs roughly $270 so testing it first would be key.
DIY instructions for repairing the air pump bearing squeal issue: https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...6&postcount=45
.
Hi All If you are experiencing a high pitched buzzing noise on cold starts it is most likely a failed air pump. FYI my 8 has 100,810 miles on it and it failed now.
the easiest way to test it is to
wait for engine to be cold not started within 8-9 hours.
unplug the air pump unit located on the passenger side it is located right next to the strut it looks like a carbon canister. there is a black two prong plug on the unit itself that needs to be unplugged.
start the car the noise should have gone away and it should sound like your backfiring a little bit.
once the engine is started go around and plug the pump back in it should sound like a air mattress pump which is essentially what it is.
I will finish this install with a complete DIY if anyone wants it. a new unit costs roughly $270 so testing it first would be key.
DIY instructions for repairing the air pump bearing squeal issue: https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...6&postcount=45
.
Last edited by TeamRX8; 01-25-2012 at 06:52 PM. Reason: added repair link
12-27-2008, 04:04 PM
#2
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Hello,
I'm just in the process of my dealer saying i need a new air pump as he, "thinks" it's faulty....
I'd like to make sure it is so if you could complete this DIY in full it would be great.
Thanks
I'm just in the process of my dealer saying i need a new air pump as he, "thinks" it's faulty....
I'd like to make sure it is so if you could complete this DIY in full it would be great.
Thanks
01-21-2009, 12:30 PM
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removing the airpump wont increase or decrease your horsepower. its solely an emmisions thing. the purpose of the airpumps is to inject fresh/ambient air into the exhuaust stream during (cold) startups, it helps light off the catalyst in the converter in a more timely manner.
01-22-2009, 04:50 PM
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removing the airpump wont increase or decrease your horsepower. its solely an emmisions thing. the purpose of the airpumps is to inject fresh/ambient air into the exhuaust stream during (cold) startups, it helps light off the catalyst in the converter in a more timely manner.
01-26-2009, 06:56 PM
#11
removing the airpump wont increase or decrease your horsepower. its solely an emmisions thing. the purpose of the airpumps is to inject fresh/ambient air into the exhuaust stream during (cold) startups, it helps light off the catalyst in the converter in a more timely manner.
01-26-2009, 07:06 PM
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correct, air pumps SOLE purpose is to make the catalyst reach its operating temp quicker. EPA regs require certain "bad stuff levels" by a certain timeframe after the car is started. the airpump helps the cat get to the operating temp sooner to meet this time requirement for making cleaner exhaust
01-26-2009, 07:50 PM
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+1. if your on a temporary budget you can do what Kane, myself, and i'm sure many other have done... get a piece of approx 3ft rebar or similar, a hammer. remove the pipe, remove the O2 sensor, punch out all the cat material(carefull its sandwiched in fiberglass) and replace everything. its not by any means good for flow etc... but it will immediately allow you to get tuned to run leaner since you have no cat to protect with dumping extra fuel. this can equal power and MPG
02-03-2009, 05:26 PM
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I don't know if this is the same thing but i figured I wouldn't start a new thread if it was. But, what is the secondary air injection system? Is that the same as the air pump that you all are talking about? If so, how do I fix it? I checked the fuse for the air pump and it fine. any help would be greatly appreciated. (Sorry if I thread jacked. Not my intention.)
