What is this???
 

It says "no oiling" on it. No clue what it is. I've been looking at it but I still have no clue...any idea? Its on the opposite side from the alternator. It has its own belt.

Thanks
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x...project012.jpg

I havent seen one of those for years ...
thats the air pump .



.

had one on my ford, but the tubes were cut, i think it would make for a good compressor eh?? dunno if it can compress air to any usable amount of psi tho, been woundering that for awhile

Air pump for the Air Injection system. Its part of emissions. Certain years used pumps instead of the venturi effect in the manifold. Basically it pumps air into the exhaust to help with the cat.

I've been wondering abotu this on my 79 for quite a while. Looks like an unneccesary draw on the motor. I'm gonna remove the belt and see if she still runs alright.

it should run fine if not a bit better less drag on the motor

yep. it's the smog pump, a.k.a. air pump. you've probably got a few other hoses connected to that too, as well as some curious things like the 'diverter' valve....

A good working smog pump has very little drag. It's not some horrible power-robbing emissions device; it's just clutter-inducing device that happens to clean up the air a little.

And no, they do not typically work well as compressors. I have one off of some '80s Toyota pickup and IIRC, the vanes are made from some kind of resin.

I used an A/C compressor for a time. Installed a pressure switch to the magnetic clutch and a storage tank...worked like a champ for impact wrenches, airing tires, all kinds of handy stuff!!