Air Injection Check Valve

[dzyfngrs]

In another thread, Mark Allison wrote

...the air injection check valve shouldn't be plumbed directly to the air cleaner unless you have the pulse air system. Once that check valve fails (and it will without air being pumped into it) you will have exhaust going directly into the air cleaner. The 2L motors with one check valve in the head used an air injection pump, the motors with 2 check valves in the head used the pulse air system...

Well, that was my plumbing.

My '79 had a smog pump that went bad. The shaft bent and the pulley was wobbling terribly. Instead of me putting up with the screaming banshee sounds, I took off the belt to the pulley but left the pump still connected to the car. I haven't found a replacement yet and being that there's no smog check in Florida I haven't needed to get one.

In the old configuration there was a hose that ran from the pump up to the top of the engine and connected to a "T" fitting. The shaft of the fitting connected to the Air Injection Check value and the other branch to the air cleaner. But the fitting was cracked and falling apart and since I didn't have the pump connected anymore, I'm the guy who simply rerouted the remaining hose directly into the cleaner.

So now I understand that may not be a good thing. What should I do? Disconnect and plug up the ends?

[So Cal Mark]

yes, remove the check valve and plug the hole

[WYSpider]

I have a single check valve on my 1980 carbed head. What size plug do I use?

[lanciahf]

18mm x1.50, Use an oil drain plug.

[WYSpider]

Thanks LanciaHF.

[WYSpider]

Any idea what size wrench works on the check valve? I have a crowfoot socket set that goes up to 19mm but it is too small. It's unsightly with the air injection hose.

[124JOE]

22mm?

[majicwrench]

If you are not trying to save it just cut or rip the valve itself off, then get a socket on the nut.

[lanciahf]

24mm Wrench will do but I usually use channel locks. The valve is not that tight.

[WYSpider]

Got mine off with channel locks and a rubber mallet. I thought I read these were a GM part - mine reads "Made in England".

Anyway, thanks for the tip.

Ended up going to NAPA for a oil drain plug that plugs the air injection valve hole. Much cleaner look.