Maz mart.

Don't worry if they make noise, *** long as it goes away after it warms up.

 

I used to hear a light, high pitched but, not loud whine when I started my car in the AM. Now its loud as hell and high pitched. Just to clarify........... Is this possibly the air flow pump? It stops after 30 or so seconds. As long as it stops everything is fine? Should I look to replace? Just looking for the best solution. I'm not taking this car to the dealer. So far I've fixed everything else myself after they told me it would be a week before they could get to it. Dirty bastards.

 

yes its the air pump.. when it stops making noise that's when you'll have a problem. there are plenty of people selling used ones.

Option B is to remove the whole system I am opting for that soon.

From my experience these pointless efforts at reducing emissions usually leads to more hassles down the road.. In about 4 or 5 years from now I imagine we will be hearing all sorts of complaints.

so keep that in mind when you are looking for a replacement.

 

Thanks for the answers. Also, if we delete this whole system...... will it throw a code? So its either replace parts as needed or delete it all and get the Cobb to cure the codes? Yes, appears this will be tiresome in the future. I only have 42k miles on an 04 and its f'n up.

 

It will throw codes for sure. you can wait for your AP. I got 111,000+ and my baby's been running amazingly well. I dunno if or when the engine was replaced but I'm happy. If she does blow I got a warranty for another 10k after that LS2 or 3 is looking dam good but will cost around 20-30k for the entire swap.

 

hi

I had the same problem with the air pump, if the engine was cold, the air pump would worked and whined.
The answere of this problem is, to change the bearings of the electric engine, now my air pump purrs like a cat ;-)

You don`t have to change the total pump!!!

 

You guys know it is normal for the Air Pump to be on when you first start your RX-8, particularly if the ambient Air Temp is cold, they usually only work for the first 30-60 seconds or so, during summer (just gone here) my air pump did not engage at all at engine start.
Now we are in Fall (Autumn) it now comes on at morning starts.

 

I'm fully aware its normal to operate. Yet, it isn't normal to be as loud as it has been as of late. It was all of a sudden loud as hell.

 

Awesome good to know. Where do you get the bearings from?

P.S.
Allot of people haven't experienced this problem yet because they are low millage and the part is still good. when it happens you will know it's almost painful to hear.

 

Thats a funny story, the bearings have the same dimensions as bearings of Inline skates.
I`d just took new inline skate bearings and assembled into the elektric engine case. You need only 2 bearings.
The inline skate bearings are better than the original bearings, because, they have to keep bigger forces than the original bearings.
I hope you know what I mean.

 

How did you get into that motor? I got down to the last "turbine". The stem in the center is what I could not get out. Before doing damage, I put back together and decided to ask.

 

hi

I know what you mean. You must disassemble the turbine, then put out the two screws. Now I took a screw-nut and put it on the thread of the stem. Then you must put the screw nut with the stem into a bench vise. Now you can tap against the plastic case, with an rubber mallet or something else. So you can disassemble the electric engine.

If you have any questions, ask please. You can also send me a picture of the problem.

I hope I could help you

 

I question how to disassemble the last turbine. It is held in place by the stem and I failed to see any screws. When I get a chanced to remove it again, I'll post a pic. Thanks much.

 

oh ok sorry.
But I don`t remember that there was any problem to disassamble the turbine. Maybe I don`t remember because it`s a few days ago.

Yes make a picture, I think I will remember.

 

I know its been over a month but, I finally completed this task. I bought a used Air Pump from Tom at Parts Group. Awesome price too! Then I proceeded to repair mine. I have an old friend that owns a Skate shop and he gave me some new bearings and presto. Its quiet as hell. I'll either keep it as a spare or sell it and ask for the buyers old one. Its a little involved but, not impossible. If anyone needs an Air Pump, let me know.

 

So when I bought my car the air pump was one of the bits missing. Is there a way to trick the ECU into thinking the pump is there when it isn't? I was thinking of some device that would have a draw like a light or so...

 

Just having an electrical load won't trick the ECU. It will know the air isn't getting into the exhaust system.
The only way to mask the light that I know of is an AccessPort. A used pump is a lot cheaper.

 

any DIY for removing the air pump?

I don't think i need it since I have a straight through pipe.

 

yea there is one somewhere. its pretty straight forward.

Step 1: Remove 3 bolts and a hose clamp and two electrical connectors.

Step 2: umm done.

Let me know if you have troubles. I think I can find some pics somewhere.

 

how about those hoses inlet? Do I need to cap them?

 

If I remove the air pump and gut out my cat, the CEL will illuminate. Now, will this throw the PCM in a limp mode, or will the engine run normal. I know a lot of cars will go into a limp mode and not run to its full potential if the CEL is illuminated.

 

I don't believe it goes into limp mode without the air pump. I've had the air pump die (motor shorted and blew the fuse,) and performance wasn't effected. That's on a manual, automatics may be different.

 

It wont go into limp mode.

 

Okay Cooool. Mine wines every morning. I've unplugged the pump before just so it wouldn't sound like my car is a vacuum cleaner. I plugged it back in just because I figured the CEL would put the car in limp mode. I'm pulling the whole pump out then. It'll open up a nice spot for my new catch can. And i'll do the "anti-fouler mod" for my O2 sensor when I gut out my cat. Would gutting out the cat make the car notably louder?

 

someone should get a DIY going on replacing the bearings.