Pulse Air Injection System

REED VALVE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT

This system is usually trouble-free. One symptom of improper operation would be a high hydrocarbon emissions reading, assuming the basic engine functions, including idle mixture adjustment, are okay. To check the reed valves for proper function, proceed as follows:

1983–85 Models

1. Run the engine until it is fully warmed up. Shut off the engine and remove the air cleaner cover and element. Get a small piece of ordinary paper.
2. Place the paper against the inlet port for the air injection system. Have someone start the engine and let it idle. Air flowing into the system should draw the paper against the air inlet.

   Fig. 1: Checking pulse air injection system — 1983–84 626

   Fig. 2: Exploded view of common pulse air injection system reed valves

3. Accelerate the engine until it reaches 1,500 rpm, and check that the exhaust pressure does not force the paper away from the air inlet.
4. If either test is failed, replace the reed valves.

1986–87 Models

1. The air control valve (ACV) must be checked before the reed valves. It is located on the side of the air cleaner. Disconnect the vacuum hose, remove the screws and the mounting bracket, then remove the air control valve. Connect a vacuum source to the valve, and tee in a vacuum gauge. (You can use engine vacuum to do this, if you pinch off the vacuum line before having someone start the engine. Be careful to gradually unpinch the line when releasing vacuum to the gauge and valve.)
2. Apply vacuum gradually while watching the stem of the air control valve and the vacuum gauge. The valve stem must start to move at 7.1–11.0 in. Hg (180–279mm Hg). If the valve does not pass this test, replace it. If it does pass, install the ACV back onto the air cleaner, leaving the gauge and vacuum source connected to it.
3. Apply a source of vacuum to the air control valve. Vacuum must be 20 in. Hg. (508mm Hg). If necessary, start the engine. Now, lift off the top of the air cleaner. Check to make sure there is air flow into the ACV intake, accessible from the inside of the air cleaner. Have someone accelerate the engine to 2,550 rpm, then check the ACV intake again to make sure exhaust gas is not being expelled. If either test is failed, replace the reed valve.