Air Pump - 97 528i

[kekoa_916]

4 months ago, I started experiencing rough idles and lagging exceleration from a stop. Finally, my check engine light went off then the car died. Two codes came back as 'Secondary air system flow too low Cyl #1-3' and ''Secondary air system flow too low Cyl #4-6'. It was caused from my Air Pump being water logged, then finally siezing up. I've since replaced it, but I'm starting to get water in the pump again with all this rain in Calif.

-Has anyone run into this problem, and what were you able to do to prevent it?

-Has anyone ever relocated this pump away from the front fender well?

I was thinking about cutting the bottom off of a 2-liter bottle and strapping/duct taping it around the base of the pump to protect it, but I'm wondering if it will cause excessive heat?

Any suggestions would be great as the pumps are $250 a pop.

Thanks.

[njtech]

Did you replace the non return valve when you did the pump? If not then this is the cause of the water intrusion....the valve get carboned up and gets stuck open allowing condensation to build up in the pump. If you need further assistance email me.

Steve

[bob in houston]

I completely removed my air pump on my '95 530 after replacing it 2x ($650 for a new one here in Houston from the dealer!). There's a small drain hole on the bottom of the pump that easily gets blocked. What I find interesting is that my airpump blew air into the exhaust manifold for a minute or so after initial start-up. I'm assuming that the airpump you're talking about does the same?

Bob in Houston

[kekoa_916]

Originally posted by bob in houston@Jan 29 2005, 09:48 AM
I completely removed my air pump on my '95 530 after replacing it 2x ($650 for a new one here in Houston from the dealer!). There's a small drain hole on the bottom of the pump that easily gets blocked. What I find interesting is that my airpump blew air into the exhaust manifold for a minute or so after initial start-up. I'm assuming that the airpump you're talking about does the same?

Bob in Houston

[snapback]281588[/snapback]

Yes, this is the same pump. I didn't see a drain hole in the replacement unit, but I was able to take the bottom cap off and drain it out. Wary about taking the unit completely out as I wonder what effects it could have on the vehicle as it is monitored by the ECM.