1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

[Greg A.]

I know there's a lot of information in the archives regarding C3 AIR pumps and I appreciate the great wealth of information that Joe Lucia has contributed. I decided to correct one of the incorrect components on my '78 and had Bill Hodel send me an extremely nice, date correct pump.

The pictures below are what I removed. The backing plate has a casting of 7801149. The pump has a date code of 14021S. Does this decode to 40th day of 1972? I know the pump style with the raised, curved protrusion is early 70's and the black filter puts it after 1969.

It's in functioning condition, but a little rough (note chip on front edge.) I'm not sure if the diverter elbow is correct for the era. Number (part?) is 14010294. Pulley spacer was aluminum and not correct for 1978, but was this used other years?

Appreciate any comments. I'm looking to find a home for this. If someone wants it, PM me. Bill said it had no value to him as it's pretty common, but will try to get it to someone who can use it.

Thanks.

Greg.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

I know there's a lot of information in the archives regarding C3 AIR pumps and I appreciate the great wealth of information that Joe Lucia has contributed. I decided to correct one of the incorrect components on my '78 and had Bill Hodel send me an extremely nice, date correct pump.

The pictures below are what I removed. The backing plate has a casting of 7801149. The pump has a date code of 14021S. Does this decode to 40th day of 1972? I know the pump style with the raised, curved protrusion is early 70's and the black filter puts it after 1969.

It's in functioning condition, but a little rough (note chip on front edge.) I'm not sure if the diverter elbow is correct for the era. Number (part?) is 14010294. Pulley spacer was aluminum and not correct for 1978, but was this used other years?

Appreciate any comments. I'm looking to find a home for this. If someone wants it, PM me. Bill said it had no value to him as it's pretty common, but will try to get it to someone who can use it.

Thanks.

Greg.

Greg,

The date is 14021S = 140th day of 1972, first shift (or #1 assembly line) Model S. May 19, 1972. Black filter is a couple of years later than 1969, but one would have to look at the Judging Guide for direction on that. My 1970 has a white filter and I believe all of 1970 has a white filter. The black would be late 1971, Off the top of my head -- but don't let my guess keep you from looking it up.

I am used to seeing steel spacers, BWTFDIK. I know the elbow casting number has been posted here -- search with that number and I would bet you will find something.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

I know there's a lot of information in the archives regarding C3 AIR pumps and I appreciate the great wealth of information that Joe Lucia has contributed. I decided to correct one of the incorrect components on my '78 and had Bill Hodel send me an extremely nice, date correct pump.

The pictures below are what I removed. The backing plate has a casting of 7801149. The pump has a date code of 14021S. Does this decode to 40th day of 1972? I know the pump style with the raised, curved protrusion is early 70's and the black filter puts it after 1969.

It's in functioning condition, but a little rough (note chip on front edge.) I'm not sure if the diverter elbow is correct for the era. Number (part?) is 14010294. Pulley spacer was aluminum and not correct for 1978, but was this used other years?

Appreciate any comments. I'm looking to find a home for this. If someone wants it, PM me. Bill said it had no value to him as it's pretty common, but will try to get it to someone who can use it.

Thanks.

Greg.

Greg------


Your interpretation of the date is correct as the 140th day of 1972. I don't think the "S" model pump was still being manufactured as of 1982, but it's possible it was.

I cannot see the pump well enough in the photos to say much else about it.

The GM #14010294 elbow was first used for 1980 Corvettes but became SERVICE for 1977-79.

The aluminum pulley spacer, if it's 3/4" thick, is likely a GM #14017717. This was first used for 1981 Corvettes but became SERVICE for earlier applications requiring a 3/4" spacer.

[Greg A.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Thanks, Terry and Joe.

I wasn't sure if the first "1" was a check digit like my later '78 pump or not. At least I'll know to mark them for the correct applications and put them aside in case anyone wants them. I don't have room to store them like you guys do, so I'd be happy to GIVE them to anyone who could use them.

Greg.

[Rich W.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Hi Greg..I have a question about your pump..you said its functioning..mine is siezed..does anyone know if I can take mine apart and put your guts in it..my car is a Dec 6 69 build date..so its really got all 70 parts on it..I would like to have it work if possible..thanks in advance ..

[Greg A.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Rich, I've already had a PM from another member and promised the pump to him. You might want to contact Bill Hodel (in the Driveline or search here for his contact info). He can rebuild your pump and will do an outstanding job.

Greg.

[Rich W.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Thanks Greg..I didn't really want to destroy a stock 72 pump..just wondering if I found one off another type car that the guts could be swapped out of..sounds like you gave me the answer.

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Thanks Greg..I didn't really want to destroy a stock 72 pump..just wondering if I found one off another type car that the guts could be swapped out of..sounds like you gave me the answer.

Thanks

Rich------


You will find that trying to remove the guts from one pump and transfer it to another will not be as easy as it might seem. Plus, you might end up with a noisy pump.

I'd just let an experienced person like Bill Hodel rebuild it with new internal parts.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Hi Greg..I have a question about your pump..you said its functioning..mine is siezed..does anyone know if I can take mine apart and put your guts in it..my car is a Dec 6 69 build date..so its really got all 70 parts on it..I would like to have it work if possible..thanks in advance ..

I want no liability for this suggestion. I only offer it in the spirit of "it worked for me."

I once decided to clean the AIR pump from my 1970. I took it off and washed it with Dawn and rinsed with water. I used a water hose. As sometimes happens the re-installation took a lot longer than I anticipated and several years later, when I went to re-install it -- it wouldn't turn.

In the mean time I had heard that the carbon vanes would sometimes stick to the wall, so I heated the pump with a propane torch until I could turn the pulley. It has since worked just fine.

I could go on for several paragraphs of cautions, but I am sure others will be happy to provide them. Maybe I should end this with: "Don't try this at home." or "Professional driver on closed course."

[Rich W.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Now that sounds fun..anytime I get to use fire to work on cars I have fun..I haven't lit a car on fire in at least a week! But really it wasn't my fault..it had a leaking plug wire and I swore it was an intake leak!! Darn brake clean! On a serious note though you both make perfect suggestions..as I have never rebuilt an air pump before and the car has had a long history of not being driven for years on end..I may try to loosen it up and see what happens..

Thanks all..I will post what happens in another thread..no hijacking intended.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Now that sounds fun..anytime I get to use fire to work on cars I have fun..I haven't lit a car on fire in at least a week! But really it wasn't my fault..it had a leaking plug wire and I swore it was an intake leak!! Darn brake clean! On a serious note though you both make perfect suggestions..as I have never rebuilt an air pump before and the car has had a long history of not being driven for years on end..I may try to loosen it up and see what happens..

Thanks all..I will post what happens in another thread..no hijacking intended.

On a serious note -- I do suggest you remove the pump from the car and remove the diverter valve before heating the AIR pump case. Try to heat the entire diameter of the case, and remember aluminum does not give as good a visual indication of its temperature as ferrous metals do. And aluminum becomes soft at much lower temperatures than ferrous metals. I suspect the heat expands the pump case thus freeing the vanes from the case, BWTFDIK.

[Rich W.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Terry, you rock!

Thanks..I will do..

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972? AIR (Smog) Pump

Good luck. Be careful, and let us know how you make out. We all learn here.