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Home >> Ford >> 1980 >> Pinto Runabout, Standard Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Engine Control Systems >> Feedback Carburetor Electronic Engine Control System >> Operation >> THERMACTOR Air Control
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THERMACTOR Air Control

This system is similar to the standard Thermactor air pump system, but it also adds a second air control valve (in addition to the by-pass valve), and a second exhaust check valve. Other system components include the air pump, ported vacuum switch (PVS) and the temperature vacuum switch (TVS).

Fig 1: Typical 2.3 Liter Feedback Electronic Engine Control System
G09339817Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Above 125° F coolant temperature, air pump air is routed to the mixing chamber of the dual catalytic converter. Below 125° F, the PVS applies vacuum to the air control valve which directs air pump air to the exhaust manifold to decrease HC and CO during warmup.

A catalyst protection feature is used when the TVS (on the air cleaner) senses inlet air temperatures below 49° F. This causes the by-pass valve to dump air pump air to the atmosphere (not to the exhaust manifold or converter mixing chamber).