CEL and Air Pump
 

Hey guys. Just bought my RX8 two weeks ago. Loving it, except for the recent update. When I bought it, the guy informed me that the air pump was starting to make the winding noise that tends to happen. So I knew it was going to be a problem soon.

CEL turned on when I cranked the car yesterday morning. Did research, figured out gas cap could be a problem since I refueled the day before. Turned the car off (after it warmed up) and closed the lid again. Started the car, CEL still there. Had seen a post where someone said reset the battery. Did it. Went away. Next day, cranked it up, popped back up. Noticed though the air pump hadn't kicked on, and it was cold.

Long story short, can the CEL come on due to the air pump? What should I check to narrow down the possibilities? Is it something required to run the car safely?

Try not to flame please. I tried search, and if there is something already said about this, I apologize.

Yes the cel can come on for the air pump. Get the codes read to be sure. You need the air pump if you have a cat.

What will it do to the cat, and how will it take to effect it? Is it something that can wait to be handled for 3,4 days?

it's there to get the cat up to temp faster.

you shouldn't do a lot of damage to your cat without it, but it is there for a reason.

I had two replaced before I went catless.

Went to Advanced Auto, and the code is the P0410. Checked the fuse, it's still in working condition. Can we assume the pump has failed me?

I've read alot, and from what I've gathered, I have two options. Catless, or replace factory parts. I can feel that the cat is starting to clog already (or so I assume), due to massive RPM drop once I rev over 4500 or so. Atleast I think that's the side effect of a clogged cat...

What are the pros and cons of going catless? Louder, smellier, not legal, etc? How much louder and smellier will it actually be? I plan on going with a BHR if I go catless. Also, I'm in a city where emissions tests aren't required.

Any comments/suggestions?

I can't stand catless, and the guy who drives behind you will hate you and wants you to just crash and die.

pump could fail, but you can always buy a used one from junk yard for cheap, no point getting a new one.

The only real "pro" about gutting the cat is you don't have to worry about a clogged cat.
If you just gut the cat it's not going to be much louder (assuming your on stock cat back).
Catless cars stink, rotary catless cars REALLY stink. Like burn holes in your eyes and lungs stink.
Not sure on your budget, but if you want to replace the cat rx7store.net sells one for about $370 shipped.

Alright, well after both of the previous posts, and reading a bit more, I've decided the smell just isn't going to be worth it.

Is there a way to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with the air pump system? I'd hate to buy a pump and it not be the problem. Is there a step by step process of elimination type thread on here? (at work on my phone, searching is difficult)

Please post the damned CEL code.

If you had actually read through the damn thread you'd know that he already did.

It's P0410.




That CEL code plus the "winding noise" you described all points at the air pump.

If you do find out it's the air pump after further investigation, I have one in good working order that I can sell you. Shoot me a PM if interested.

You could disconnect the plug at the pump and run 12 volts from the battery to the pump - see if it spins.

No biggie running without the pump, the cat won't be affected, gutting the cat is a separate decision.

IMO I love the smell and the burning of the eyes. I enjoy burning the bumpers of cars behind me on my ass when stopped at a light. I shoot out flames about 10-12 inches long due to having a gutted cat. I wouldn't change it for anything unless it is either a midpipe or a RP super cat.

I gutted my cat about 5 months ago...My 8 really doesn't smell bad at all...I've also driven behind other catless 8s...Never bothered me...I guess some people are just sensitive to the smell...My only issue is that I do live in a state where emission inspection is required...Since you don't, it's a win win situation...You're just preventing potential problems by gutting your cat...Also, there isn't much of a difference in the noise...Just slightly louder...And I mean very slightly.

if you learn how to Search (you obviously don't know how because this thread wouldn't be necessary if you had) there is a thread on how to repair the air pump bearings, which are typically the culprit of the noise and eventual failure