Partial desmog on an FJ62?

[lechnito]

Can I just cap off the air rail instead of physically removing the air injection manifold and injectors? I was thinking I could find an NPT plug that fits in place of the check valve (see pics) but I'm not sure what the potential consequences are?

I live in a county that requires emissions testing (sniffer only) so I don't feel comfortable with totally removing the air injector system before I know whether I can pass without it. I plan on keeping the cat, deleting the EGR, disabling the smog pump, and doing a dry run emissions test to see where the HC and NOx levels are at.

I've already deleted my EGR with a kit from route66 and have the smog pump out to install a new MG alternator. So it seems like a good time to mess with the smog system. Also, the air manifold check valve literally disintegrated into rusty fragments when I tried to remove the air pump hose. The replacement won't be here until mid next week anyway.

 

[vipergrhd]

I'm sure you could cap it and remove all that stuff but how often do you smog in your county? IMO removing all that stuff have very little gain keeping it in good order would be good specially if you are required to smog every 2 years. They still have to look under your hood when you smog a vehicle even if it's just a sniffer test it's part of the inspection.

 

[lechnito]

Emissions testing is required for residents of my county every 2 years and an under the hood visual inspection is definitely not part of the program. They hook up the sniffer, check your exhaust system under the vehicle with a mirror, and if your vehicle is newer than 1996, they will do an ODB2 diagnostic on your emissions equipment.

I'm fairly optimistic that a well tuned 3FE engine should be able to pass the HC, CO, and NOx tests without the EGR and smog pump in place, but I don't want to fully commit to that just yet. My air check valve and EGR vacuum manifold were in such poor condition the last time I took the emissions test that they might as well have been non operational.

So I guess what I'm asking is can I damage my air injectors or air injection manifold by just capping off the air pipe instead of totally removing them?

 

[sbelinge]

I'm sure removing them would be the best option for keeping them "clean" but that also sounds like a pain to do every two years. I've also read that they can be fragile to work on.
I have an '89 FJ62 (I live just across the Colombia from you) with everything removed except the air rail/injection manifold. So far I haven't noticed any negative affects but then again I don't have to pass any inspection. I would imagine that if designed to maintain a constant airflow through them that, if left unused they would get clogged with carbon build up. I might be wrong though.

 

[lechnito]

That seems like the most realistic downside to keeping them in. You have such reasonable emissions standards across the river. I'm definitely envious!

 

[W Brown]

I'm sure removing them would be the best option for keeping them "clean" but that also sounds like a pain to do every two years. I've also read that they can be fragile to work on.
I have an '89 FJ62 (I live just across the Colombia from you) with everything removed except the air rail/injection manifold. So far I haven't noticed any negative affects but then again I don't have to pass any inspection. I would imagine that if designed to maintain a constant airflow through them that, if left unused they would get clogged with carbon build up. I might be wrong though.

sbelinge, I'm interested in following your lead on disabling this system myself. When you say "everything removed except the air rail/injection manifold" can you tell me what "everything" is? I've disconnected the ASV from the air rail and am just wondering what to remove and plug.
Thanks!

 

[sbelinge]

@W Brown I used this guide specific for the 3FE (FJ62) engine written by spook50: http://www.ih8mud.com/tech/pdf/3FE-Desmog_Guide.pdf
You should also check this thread: EGR Desmog - 88 FJ62
This should give you all the info you need to desmog a 3FE and you can do it in stages, it's really easy. Someone here sells a plug for the EGR port on the exhaust manifold but I just made my own. Feel free to ask any specific questions I'm happy to answer if I can.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

So I guess what I'm asking is can I damage my air injectors or air injection manifold by just capping off the air pipe instead of totally removing them?

Update: What did you do?

 

[lechnito]

I left my air rail in place and put a rubber cap on the input end. There was a thread here not too long ago that emphasized how hard it is to take out without damaging it.

@W Brown I got my EGR deletion plug from Route 66 Mods for $32. Fits super well on the manifold and has a high quality powder coating.

 

[W Brown]

Thanks @sbelinge and @lechnito. I'll do my homework. Appreciate the guidance.

I'm not far from either of you, in Seattle. I'd love to check out your rigs if we have the chance sometime.

 

[sbelinge]

I had my rig in for service at LCNW this week and they removed the air rail for me. It was convenient and they gave it back to me in perfect condition, just in case I need it in the future.

 

[GRiP]

How did this capping off the air rail go with out removing it. I got stung on a pink slip ( NSW yearly road worthy ) for having it removed when I had to do a 10 yearly LPG tank test and it cost me over $1k to have LPG checked and all smog gear added back on. I don't want to remove the air rail and cap it off again as I got charged AU $200 just for the air rail, I want to keep the air rail in and cap it off and remove all other smog gear again and keep it in a box in the shed in case I get failed again. did capping it off stop exhaust leaks in engine bay, I don't care if it gets blocked up as its more of a visual inspection to see if its there