Airpump replacement
 

Ok, well I have concluded that my airpump has gone back and in the interest of avoiding a complicated install I've decided to replace the airpump rather than eliminate it.

It looks simple enough, lower the alternator, unclip and unbolt the airpump, put a used one in its place, bolt up, put the belt back on, and raise the alternator to previous height.

If its not that simple than please let me know, I've done work on car but nothing that involved messing with the belts and pulleys. I'm not sure If I need to measure the belt tension or something like that so let me know.

Also where would be a good place to look for a used airpump?

Thanks

it should be just as easy as taking it off...

There's a tension adjustment under the AP. It's a little hard to see, especially if you have the stock airbox . You'll have to loosen/remove that before you can remove the belt, even after loosening the alternator.
Page F-122 in the FSM.

its really easy to do if you have the FSM and even without it you shouldnt have much trouble. also ill sell you my airpump if you want it lmk.

One of the most imporant things when removing belts is also the easiest to overlook. When adjusting the tensioner pulley on the outer belt, loosen the pulley bolt BEFORE you start turning the adjuster screw on top. Otherwise you'll snap the bracket right off.

good point vegas..... i snapped mine right off, and then cried cause i had to wait longer to finish my single turbo project. very very easy to brake!

Well I've already noted the ( the alternators bracket ). I would really like to purchase one local because I could install the same day.

I'll probably make a tutorial while doing for future nubs?

I don't really know if a write-up is completely necessary for a airpump install. It's a pretty straightforward procedure. But if you have the time and want to do it, have at it.

I just bought my RX7 a week ago and I havent got a chance to drive it yet cause of the airpump. I just cant bring myself to paying $1,350 for a new one. If anyone knows a place to get a used one or would like to sell there used one, plz send me a msg.

wtf $1350??? you can get used one in the For Sale/Want to Buy section of this forum for like $35 shipped


You might want to look for a Airpump ellimination pulley kit like the one made by greddy, $160 MSRP , I've seen them go for $115 in the FS / WTB section.

Two things also to consider IMO,
1. While airpumps do occasionally go bad, usually they make some noise to alert you. More often, the problem is traced back to the wiring, which is exposed to alot of heat from the turbos and which is usually a quick fix. It's also fused with the AC, so if one isn't working, often the other won't either.
2. Removing the airpump when your on the stock ECU and running a cat may cause more problems than it's worth, especially since, as you point out, used APs are relatively inexpensive. Symptoms of AP removal vary, but alot of guys get a lumpy or loping idle, hesitation on acceleration and you risk prematurely clogging the cat. Although I've read that the latter is generally associated with the stock cat vs. a good aftermarket Hi-Flo cat. Belt contact with the waterpump is also an issue unless you spend some significant bucks to replace the pulley deleted with the AP. :)