SMOG PUMP ON A 76 124

[PENNEYTOM]

Would disconnecting the smog pump affect perforamce or cause any damage to the engine? The pump is making some noise(s) and don't want to risk it seizing and jumping the timing belt. The car is a 76 with the pump driven off the camshaft. I'll need a new pump but want to wait until the car needs it's next CA smog test later this year. Also, I recall reading on one of the Fiat blogs that a GM smog pump is a good and less expensive subsitute for the Fiat one- true? Thanks

Tom

[So Cal Mark]

removing or disconnecting the pump will not affect performance at all. Fiat did use Saginaw (gm) pumps as oem. That cam driven pump is slightly different than what gm used though. The only down side to disabling the pump is that you stand a chance of the air injection manifold gettng clogged with carbon.

[PENNEYTOM]

Thanks- I only take the car out every couple of weeks for a short dirve so not overly worried about the carbon issue - just don't want the pump to seize. Maybe being paranoid about it, but it is noisy and guessing that is telling me it's about ready to die. Has anyone modifed this setup so it drives off the fan belt? Are all the 124's with camshaft driven pumps?

Tom

[manoa matt]

I have a exhaust cam driven smog pump from a 76 parts car. (I was planning on sending the emissions stuff to Mark) Let me know if you are interested matt.scarton@gmail.com

Most of the smog pumps were mounted low on the passenger side. (where your alternator is on the 76) and driven by a "v" velt off the crank pully.

I think there would be too much involved to convert it. You would need a 3 track crank pully, an internally regulated alternator, an oil filter boss with the alternator mount, the associated brackets for smog pump and alternator.

Thats assuming the smog pump would mount and have the correct alignment with the crank when mounted on the alternator mount that is cast into the block on your 76. There may also need to drill and tap a hole for the upper alternator bracket mounting stud on the upper drivers side of the block.

Considering the parameters, finding a good 76 smog pump would be the easiest and cheaper solution.

[PENNEYTOM]

Matt- thanks. I sent you an email about the pump. As far as any conversion- sounds like too much work and expense. I'm going to be working on the car this weekend and disconnect the pump and fan belt - just wondering if that noise is coming from the smog pump or maybe water pump, or tensioner bearing.

Tom

[manoa matt]

Could be the water pump bearing going out. Another forum member this week had a noise comming from the front of the engine. He removed the "V" belt and started the car briefly. No noise, so he spun the pump pully to find the source of the noise.