Hey Guys, got a question...

So I picked up my first Trans Am, an '85 305/5 speed. In good condition, especially considering the $ i payed for it.

SO the deal is i go to get it inspected, and the guy says even though it passed emissions, I don't have an Air Pump so I can't get a sticker for it (welcome to Massachusetts). So I did a little investigation, my buddy's '88 Formula doesn't seem to have an air pump on it... Unless I'm mistaken, an air pump is supposed to run of the serpentine belt system... So, only thing he's got connected to his serpintine system is his AC, PS Pump, Water Pump & Alternator.

So who is missing something here? Is there some kind of air pump that doesn't run on the serpintine system or did the inspector for my buddy's '88 just mess up?

Help?

Thanks,

Wade Williams
www.wadewilliams.com

 

Your 85 should have an air pump. Just to make sure, look at the exhaust manifolds, and there should be a small metal tube coming off each exhaust port and then all 4 combine into 1 tube. These tubes, 1 from each side go to an air valve assembly near the air pump or at least where it should be. Also there should be a small tube coming off the side of the catalytic converter. The air pump supplies additional air to the cat to preheat it and make it work more efficiently. Same principle with adding more air to the exhaust manifolds.

The only possible reason I can think of for your buddy's 88 not having one, is that his is probably fuel injected. The FI cars used the computer and sensors to adjust the fuel injectors to do the same thing as an air pump. Some FI cars have an air pump, others don't. I guess it depends on the computer and type of FI used. Later.

 

Ok, well that explains why his Formula doesn't have one--- It's TPI. However, am I correct in the fact it is run off the serpintine system? Because right now all I have hooked up is an alternator, PS pump & water pump...

Was checking out a 305 Carbeurated formula @ a junkyard, it had the tubes you mentioned, but it didn't have anything to be run off the serpintine sys.



Thanks again

 

I think alll third gens came with an air pump. Both of you should have one. You're missing a/c and the air pump. Im gonna go die now.

 

My TPI has it, but my V6 doesn't. Even more confused?

What you need to do it check your exhaust manifolds, (this only works in they are stock) to see if you had them originally. *If* you don't, you should be able to convince the guy that since your car came from the factory without them, you shouldn't be required to put them on.

I don't have a pic, but in the engine bay of my V6, it's got a belt routing diagram, and there's no AIR pump on it. But these are both serpintine belts. Maybe someone on the board has a pic of a v belt diagram with no AIR pump.

But then again, the smog ****'s can be stubborn sometimes, so even if you explain it to them logically, they still might fail you.

Good luck!

PS. Damn, that's a nice boat you have. I love Ski Nautiques.

 

Ok let's ad another wrinkle then. Exhaust isn't stock. Previous owner put a new exahust system on (probably the only reason why she passed emissions!)

If i can fanagle it so i can pass inspection, my next problem is when i decided to sell-- with the lemon law in MA i'll be responsible to pay for costs to make the car pass inspection. So it's either drop the money now or later.




AlexJH-
v6 no / tpi yes... Yes, that confuses me more. Yup, Ski Nautiques kick ****. hehe. Getting a 2002 this season


Thanks,

 

So I don't have an air pump or any of the attachments for the exhaust manifolds. There's a car in a Junkyard so i've seen how the air pump connects to everything and understand that, but since I don't have a third gen @ my disposal that has an air pump, I don't know how it's hooked up or anything like that. No one has answered if it does in fact run of the serpintine belt or what. Pictures and a helpful explanation welcome

Thanks