What Is a Smog Pump?

Making sure your engine is running properly can help reduce emissions

A smog pump is a crucial piece of equipment used for helping to reduce emissions. It is one of the systems found in automobiles that helps fuel burn cleaner.

Air Injection

The smog pump is the common term for the secondary air injection system (or just air injection system). After combustion occurs, the exhaust gases must leave the combustion chamber through a port. The air injection system pumps fresh oxygen into the exhaust port, causing the exhaust gases (hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide) to continue to burn and therefore deplete more efficiently. On some vehicles, it also supplies air to the catalytic converter. The system usually consists of an air pump, a diverter valve, an air distributor and a check valve.

Air Pump

The air pump is what creates the force of the air to push fresh air into the system. It is run by a belt or electric motor.

Diverter Valve

The diverter valve is used by some cars to keep too much air from entering the system when the vehicle is decelerating, reducing backfiring and limiting air pressure.

Air Distributor

The air distributor is known as the air management valve or air distribution manifold. This valve switches the flow of air direction to point toward either the exhaust manifold or toward the catalytic converter, depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle.

Check Valves

Check valves prevent exhaust air from flowing into the system and causing possible damage.

References

• www.tpub.com : Air Injection System
• Auto Repair Help : Air Injection System
• Vince Pellegrini; I-CAR Certified Master Mechanic; Beaumont, CA