I had an aftermarket Hi-Flow cat put on my car and they had to weld the air tube onto the cat itself. It has just popped off...must have been a crappy job by the muffler shop that did it. will this hurt the hi- flow cat without the air tube connected? Could this be the reason i am smelling a rich exhaust smell? New to this and looking for help. thanks

 

i like flames!!!

 

that has nothing to do with this thread...

 

The air pump is there to help provide extra O2 to burn off the emissions at low rpms and when the cat is not warmed up.

It shouldn't hurt anything but there are theories that prolonged use can shorten the life of the cat. No real data to back that up though.

So yes, at low rpms with a cold cat, you will get more of an exhaust smell without the airpump running and connected.

 

thanks as always to you guys...