Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Air Injection Systems: Description
The air injection systems, used on many applications, are designed to reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. This is done by injecting fresh air into the exhaust manifold to continue the burning process of gases which pass through the combustion cycle. The air injection system consists of an air pump with integral filter, diverter/by-pass valve, check valve(s), external or internal injection tubing and connecting hoses.
Some late 1977 Ford models use a pulse air type system. This system does not use a belt driven pump. General Motors models with 250" 6-cylinder engines use a Pulse Air Injection Reactor (PAIR) type air injection system (no air pump). This system uses check valves and connecting pipes to inject air.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.