Hello, first time here...
The smog pump on my 7.5 l V-8 is going bad, and I did a search for topics relating to this. I found numerous mentions about removing the system completely.
My question is: can I just remove the belt from the air pump, use a shorter one, and leave the dead pump and all other associated components in place? Will this cause any problems?
Many thanx.

 

I would also like to see some info on this. I Often wondered what it is for and if I can remove it without messing something up.

 

Removing the air pump from the system will kill the cat in time. However, if you have removed the cat already, you should be able to remove the air pump with no ill effects (as far as I know). I too am curious on how exactly to remove the air pump from the system however, so I'm looking forward to the outcome of this thread.

 

I'm really not keen to physically remove the pump, or other pieces of the system. Also still have the cat.
It looks like I can make a shorter belt work, but might have to take the pulley off the air pump, for clearance reasons.
Can I just use a shorter belt, and let the dead pump remain on the engine fully connected?
Will this damage anything, or have negative effect on mileage?
(97 Ford 460 F-53)