1997 850 air pump possibilities

ahuggard · Post by **ahuggard** » 08 Nov 2007, 10:06

Hello all,

I was recently given an 850 (non-turbo) wagon because it would not pass emissions because of a faulty air pump. I have read up on the VW mod replacement pump on this site (and the excellent article on Volvospeed) but I would rather go with a used Volvo part. What air pumps will fit my car? Would a pump from a 95 960 or a 97 S70 work?

Thanks,

Alex
97 850 169k

Post by **pfeener** » 08 Nov 2007, 14:41

Finding a used Volvo pump that still works will be a chore. I would advise against it. Go with either the VW pump or a new one. Change the SAS valve as well or you'll be back doing it again in less than a year. The S70 pump is different, but the later model 850's will fit. Look at the FCP site to see which pumps fit which years.

chuckcintron · Post by **chuckcintron** » 08 Nov 2007, 17:07

I went about a year once with a 12V air mattress inflater (from REI online, about $18 ). It was an experiment to see if a low cost air pump would work.

It was hit or miss. Had to clear codes about once every three weeks or so. Velocity was okay, CFM was too low. I was going to gang two of them in parallel, but then decided to stop experimenting and just get the OEM replacement.

I've heard good things about the VW hack. Also, certain year BMW is the same pump...check eBay...always buy new, you don't want a used headache.

-Chuck

jbm · Post by **jbm** » 09 Nov 2007, 07:42

I read somewhere that you can just remove the air pump and get a new engine control unit (ECU) that does not need it. The thing only runs for a couple of minutes, so I wonder how badly it is needed. Is the air pump necessary to prevent damage to the catalytic converter, or is it just to reduce pollution by getting the catalytic converter up to temperature as fast as possible?

My air pump seems to be getting louder and louder so I am expecting it to go eventually.

Post by **pfeener** » 09 Nov 2007, 08:07

It has nothing to do with the running of the engine. It's for emissions only.

jbm · Post by **jbm** » 09 Nov 2007, 11:48

So what happens if you just remove it? You get a little more pollution for the first 2 minutes after you start the engine? Check engine light?

chuckcintron · Post by **chuckcintron** » 09 Nov 2007, 12:32

Check engine light, and if your state requires it, you fail the emissions inspection.

Zero impact to the functioning of the car. It's all about pollution (which, we should be trying to minimize, of course).

-Chuck

ahuggard · Post by **ahuggard** » 10 Nov 2007, 16:04

Well, seeing as I have to pass emissions, I think I may just get the proper pump from FCP. I'll post back when I install--I don't anticipate any problems, seems pretty straightforward.

ahuggard

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Nov 2007, 16:09

Don't just replace the pump...you'll need the SAS valve also...it is the cause of your current pump failure.

ahuggard · Post by **ahuggard** » 10 Nov 2007, 16:43

Sorry, I should have put that I will replace the SAS valve as well--I was planning on it. Is the relay necessary?

ahuggard