355 CEL = air pump failed

Still trying to pass emissions here, just need to get that CEL off. Two codes, one for air pump failure and one for a water temp sensor....

First the air pump; read here that the fuses tend to blow, so look into mine and voila, no fuse! First try a 20a, blows. then a 30 blows. ok now this really blows, that's alot of current. So I take the pump out and that impeller won't budge with a screwdriver. Then take the pump apart and it's clear why - the impeller is welded to the housing! I'm guessing the bearings failed, allowing the impeller to wobble and rub against the housing. Enough heat built up and to get the thing apart I had to 'break' the welded plastic by prying apart with a screwdriver.

Now the painful part, this SIMPLE little 12v fan runs about $550 So now I'm looking around to see if there's any other similar air pumps out there - I hear BMW and VW may have similar ones. Anyone else investigate this? Of course if this is critical to engine performance and longevity I'd just go with OEM. But as I understand it this is just for cold start emissions - is this correct?

Thanks -
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There might be a non-Ferrari version of the pump, but I wouldn't disable the entire system, if that's what you're contemplating. Here is what the WSM describes, so we have the 'official' text:
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Try their website http://www.spalusa.com/ If you can get the actual part number, or manufacture number off of it I'm sure they can get it for you. Just tell them it's going on an Alfa or something? This link in their site should help you out http://www.spalusa.com/faq/faq_technical.html It seems that most of the stuff on their site is for radiator fans, HVAC blowers, and door locks. maybe try giving the tech support number a call and see if they can help.

 

I did a little more searching and it seems that BMW 6-cylinder 96+ E36, 96-98 Z3, and 96-00 MZ3 cars with OBD-II electronics have the air injection pumps. I haven't found if they are using the SPAL pumps, but they just may?

I don't know if this simulator will work on your 355 but these guys sell one. http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=bimmerworl&BusType=BtoC&Count1=943233668&Count2=860374093&Keyword=air+pump&Target=products%2Easp

This one on ebay has a buy it now price of $50 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E36-Emission-Control-Pump_W0QQitemZ150125971217QQihZ005QQcategoryZ33610QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Like I said I'm not sure if it will work on your car, but it just might. The part number would really help out in finding the part from another car.

 

Looks a little like the basic GM electric air pump...

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/AirPump/Chevrolet/Express/1AEAP00001/587628?utm_source=YShopping_cut&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=YShopping_cut

 

ebay?

 

Thanks for all the tips guys; now that I know they're more commonly called 'smog pumps' the search results are a bit better. Daniel, I do plan on keeping the system working. and if I go OEM you know I'm calling you...but if I can find a $100 solution, that leaves $400 for upgrades!

I emailed SPAL tech support, but it seems like SPAL US doesn't get involved with air pumps (ours is made in Italy). I'll post if I get a reply.

Beyond that it seems there's a few that could fit - the E36, a Mustang Cobra, or the GMC Savana.

Actually leaning towards this one, good enough for a 360 then good enough for me. Still less than half the price...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Maserati-Coupe-Spyder-Ferrari-Air-Pump-181197_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33610QQihZ017QQitemZ270085531395QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

 

Email him, perhaps he has the 355 pump too!

 

The exit nozzle appears a bit small..... ask for a dimension... .

 

Actually I was told the 360 pump is actually MUCH larger than the 355. I noticed that smaller exit but figured there must be at least the same or more air to feed the larger engine. Anyway I took the easy way out, found a used one from a '99 355. Good enough to get me through emissions!

Thanks all for the input -

 

Found another if anyone needs it..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150140274066&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us

 

Someone should ask if it works, he is showing it next to the box of the new replacement pump he bought

 

haha, absolutely! If it still spins I'd pick it up for $25. New they're $700 from the dealer, about $550 from Daniel @ Ricambi (IIRC)

Also no response whatsoever from spalusa, seems like that isn't an option...