DESCRIPTION
The air injection system is designed to reduce hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. When air is injected into the exhaust manifold, hydrocarbons are burned, thereby reducing HC levels. Air is also injected into the catalytic converter to oxidize CO and HC into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor.
A belt driven air pump injects air into the exhaust port of cylinder head, exhaust manifold or catalytic converter. The air injection system operates at all times and will by-pass air during rich operation, deceleration, cold engine operation or high RPMs.
The air management valve performs by-pass and diverter functions. The check valve protects the air pump from damage by preventing a backflow of exhaust gases.
AIR PUMP
The air pump is a belt driven, positive displacement vane-type pump. The air pump is permanently lubricated and requires no periodic service. The air injection system injects filtered air into the exhaust manifold and/or catalytic converter.
Note. Always cover centrifugal filter fan before cleaning engine to prevent liquid from entering air pump. DO NOT oil air pump.
DECELERATION VALVE
This valve is used to prevent backfiring in the exhaust system during deceleration. The valve is normally closed, but opens when manifold vacuum increases during deceleration. The increase in vacuum overcomes spring pressure, allowing air to escape into the atmosphere.
DIVERTER VALVE
The diverter valve is used to prevent backfiring in the exhaust system during sudden deceleration. The valve senses sudden increases in the intake manifold vacuum, causing valve to open and divert air away from exhaust system. This allows air from the air pump to pass through valve and silencer, out to atmosphere.
A pressure relief valve controls system pressure by diverting the excess pump outlet air (developed at higher engine speeds) to atmosphere through the silencer.
CHECK VALVE
The check valve prevents the backflow of exhaust gases into the air injection system. The check valve operates when the air pump by-passes at high speeds, extreme engine loads or when air pump malfunctions.
ELECTRIC AIR CONTROL VALVE
This valve provides normal diverter valve function and pressure relief by diverting air into the engine air cleaner when system pressure exceeds a predetermined value.
Valve operation is controlled by a vacuum solenoid. When the solenoid is energized, valve operates normally. When the solenoid is de-energized, air is diverted by operating conditions.
ELECTRIC AIR SWITCHING VALVE
The air switching valve is a spring actuated 2-way valve. This valve is located in series between air control valve and exhaust system.
When the solenoid is de-energized, vacuum is applied to diaphragm chamber, resulting in airflow to exhaust ports.
When the solenoid is energized, vacuum to diaphragm chamber is blocked and chamber is vented to atmosphere. This allows spring tension to open port to the catalytic converter and close engine port.
ELECTRIC DIVERT/ELECTRIC AIR SWITCHING VALVE (EDES)
Electric Divert/Electric Air Switching Valve (EDES) combines the functions of both the air diverter valve and air switching valve into one integral component.
The ECM controls the air divert valve by controlling the vacuum solenoid in the EDES valve. The EDES valve will divert air during these operating conditions: rich conditions, deceleration and high RPM. The EDES valve will also divert air whenever ECM recognizes a problem and sets "CHECK ENGINE" light.
The ECM also controls the air switching function of EDES valve by directing air injection flow to exhaust ports during cold engine operation (open loop) and to catalytic converter during warm engine operation (closed loop).
Sectional View of EDES Valve (Carbureted). Scheme 51
PRESSURE OPERATED ELECTRIC AIR CONTROL/ELECTRIC AIR SWITCHING VALVE (PEDES)
Pressure Operated Electric Air Control/Electric Air Switching Valve (PEDES) combines both diverter function and air switching function into one integral component.
The PEDES valve is electrically controlled by the ECM and operated by air pump pressure. The valve's operation is not dependent on intake manifold vacuum.
For cold engine (open loop) operation, the port solenoid is energized and air flows to exhaust ports. In warm engine (closed loop) operation, the port solenoid is de-energized and converter solenoid is energized. This forces airflow to the converter. In the divert mode, both solenoids are de-energized and airflow is allowed to vent to atmosphere.
COMPONENT TESTING
Note. For AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FUNCTION CHECK, ELECTRIC AIR CONTROL/ELECTRIC AIR SWITCHING VALVE CHECK and ELECTRIC DIVERTER VALVE CHECK, refer to DIAGNOSTIC CHARTS in COMPUTER COMMAND CONTROL article.
Scheme 52
- Detach check valve and blow through in direction of flow to cylinder head. Attempt to suck back through direction of flow. Replace valve if airflow is allowed against direction of flow. (Scheme 52): Sectional View of PEDES Valve (Fuel Injected)
- If air pump was inoperative and had signs of exhaust gases reaching pump, a failed check valve is indicated.
- Accelerate engine to approximately 1500 RPM and observe airflow from hoses. If airflow increases as engine is accelerated, pump is operating properly. If airflow does not increase, or is not present, proceed to next step.
- Check for proper pump belt tension, leaky valves, seized pump, improperly routed hoses or disconnected hoses.
Note. It is normal for air pump to emit some noise, especially during deceleration, when air is exhausted into atmosphere.
- Remove air cleaner, plug air cleaner vacuum source and connect tachometer to engine. With engine running at idle, remove deceleration valve signal hose from intake manifold.
- Reconnect signal hose while listening for airflow through ventilation pipe and into deceleration valve. Engine speed should drop when hose is reconnected.
- If airflow lasts less than one second or engine speed does not drop, check for defective hoses or deceleration valve.
EXHAUST BACKFIRE
- Engine not tuned to specifications.
- Engine vacuum leaks.
- Faulty diverter valve or check valve.
- Electric air switching valve or air control valve not switching air pump discharge to air cleaner during engine starting or deceleration.
POOR GAS MILEAGE
- Air pump output not shifting to catalytic converter upon signal from TVS.
- Faulty electrical and/or vacuum circuits.
EXCESSIVE EXHAUST EMISSIONS
- Air not being diverted to exhaust manifold during normal engine operation.
- Air not being diverted to catalytic converter during normal engine operation.