69 L71 AIR pump

[Chris H.]

I removed the AIR pump for some detailing etc. a few weeks ago. The pulley spun fine. After I was done I set it aside while continued detailing the engine bay. When I picked it up today I noticed that the pulley would not turn. Any ideas as to what happened and how to fix it? I did use a small amount of water. I don't know if that had anything to do with it.

Thanks, Chris

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 L71 AIR pump

I removed the AIR pump for some detailing etc. a few weeks ago. The pulley spun fine. After I was done I set it aside while continued detailing the engine bay. When I picked it up today I noticed that the pulley would not turn. Any ideas as to what happened and how to fix it? I did use a small amount of water. I don't know if that had anything to do with it.

Thanks, Chris

Chris------


If the pump has been in service for a long time, I'd send it to Bill Hodel for a rebuild.

Also, check that the two check valves on the top of the manifold "trees" are working properly.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 L71 AIR pump

I removed the AIR pump for some detailing etc. a few weeks ago. The pulley spun fine. After I was done I set it aside while continued detailing the engine bay. When I picked it up today I noticed that the pulley would not turn. Any ideas as to what happened and how to fix it? I did use a small amount of water. I don't know if that had anything to do with it.

Thanks, Chris

BINGO! You answered your own question. The carbon vanes like to corrode to the aluminum housing, or vise versa. I will tell you what I did, but this is one of those "Professional driver on a closed course. Don't try this at home" kind of stories. I heated the aluminum case with a propane torch. You have to be gentle and keep the torch moving. Aluminum does not change color as it heats up, so the first indication you have applied too much heat is when it melts. Maybe you should start with putting it out in the hot mid-day sun for several hours, and see if that loosens it.