4

A bit of the background: I have a Mercedes that has a serpentine belt-driven air pump to help reduce smog in the exhaust. I heard this whole pump can be removed without causing any trouble, so I decided to go ahead to reduce repair problems.

Then I realised there is a shutoff valve connected between pump and exhaust manifold. And this valve seems vacuum-actuated as there is a thin clear line that goes into it, which I assume is a vacuum line.

If I removed this air pump and shut off valve, the vacuum line would be open, which I think may cause vacuum leak. Are there any ways to address this vacuum line issue? Thanks.

Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
  • 165,084
  • 32
  • 259
  • 508
David Xu
  • 357
  • 1
  • 3
  • 10

2 Answers2

5

You can put a plug in the vacuum line or put a cap over the port at the other end of the line. Ask for Vacuum Caps.

Note: The air injection system on my car is much more than just the smog pump. I think you should try to understand the operation of the system before you try to remove.

David Winslow
  • 631
  • 4
  • 14
4

A few comments in addition to David's answer:

  • You can be creative with how the vacuum hose is closed off

    Something as simple as a bulldog clip will do - the purpose is to seal off one end. Another more permanent solution would be to remove the hose and weld the nipple shut

  • Don't forget the other holes resulting from a smog pump delete

    There are other holes that will need to be plugged, the line going from the pump to the exhaust side in particular. If this hole isn't plugged up, it can and will throw off the fuel-injection management; resulting in poor fuel economy and/or lumpy throttle at best.

Hope this helps.

Community
  • 1
Zaid
  • 39,276
  • 50
  • 151
  • 294