'90 SSE Pump? Keeps running

[tomp]

Hello,

I don't know a lot about engines - but here's what I've got...

'90 SSE

Just started happening: turn off engine and about 15 - 30 seconds later a small motor? starts pumping/running - it's on right side of engine bay in front, just behind headlights next to the plastic air intake tube and in front of the air filter box- it sounds like what a small air compressor would sound like

The above doesn't happen every time - but enough so it's got my attention

Also sometimes when starting engine - it coughs and won't start - will start on second try but a little rough and smooths out

Thanks in advance for any info

TP

[J Wikoff]

Sounds like the air pump for the rear load leveling suspension. It'll do that.

As for the starting, when was the last time you changed the plugs and wires? Or checked the fuel pressure?

[tomp]

Thanks for the info - if anyone else can confirm - I'll rest a little easier -

The thing just started doing this a day or so ago - never done it before - runs for a good bit - or if I restart car right away and then shut off - it stops... is there something I can do so it doesn't happen? Or should I just not worry about it

And - you don't think it's related to the sometimes having to re-start?

TP

[J Wikoff]

By "it sounds like", I meant "it definately is". How's the rear end of the car look, too low or too high? It could be that your rear struts have started leaking a little air, the sensor arm came off, or are you carrying anything heavy in the back that you didn't used to? Look for an arm on the right rear control arm that leads to a flat box closer to the spring.

It won't cause any starting issues, unless it has to run A LOT when the car is off and kills the battery.

[tomp]

Ah - OK - thanks - I did just have the tires rotated maybe they hit that sensor arm - I'll take the car back to the shop - have them take a look.

Rear end has always been just a little bit low on it's haunches for years... you know given the age of the car - but nothing any normal person would notice

I did recently remove some items from the trunk so it's bit lighter than it's been used to

Your info is really appreciated - you guys are the best here on Pontiac Bonneville Club

[J Wikoff]

You can do a quick check yourself. Kneel down and look from behind the right rear tire. The arm is supposed to attach to a little ball on the control arm, ball and socket style. It's possible that it's either hanging down, or hanging up higher resting on something. You can test the functionality by popping the arm off the ball and either propping it up or down a little and wait a couple minutes to see what happens. Listen for the pump to kick in or a valve to vent, and watch to see if the rear changes height.

If the pump, along with the wiring and tubing is working, the rear should stay level without sagging at any given time. The arm is adjustable if you loosen the nut on the arm near the box itself. There's a slot that allows adjustment. A little goes a long way, just be warned. I've adjusted mine without taking it off the car and didn't even have to jack it up.

[tomp]

Very good -

I'll check that this week-end and let you know -

Again - many thanks -

TP