Thinking about removing the AIR system on my '67 340. Where can I get the plugs that go into the heads? Also is there any interest in a complete functional system? Thanks
I took mine off when I rebuilt the 340. This is the thread, which in my demented world did not look like the standard of the industry (my paranoid thought was they had a special thread to discourage tampering!) So the standard plugs that I purchased from Year One looked totally wrong to me. I sent the heads to Carmen and he fixed them, so not sure what ended up in there. So FYI:
You should be able to use standard setscrews. Just match the diameter and thread pitch on your existing fittings. Jim
Standard set screws will work, just a plain coarse thread. To do it right, they 'should' be machined to seal against the seat in the head. But just screwing them should work well enough. Buick did have some properly machined plugs, don't know if they are available anywhere...
Looking at the tube, you can see that it has an inverted flare, just like a brake or fuel line. You can get them here- https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-785-452?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-dorman&gclid=CM3S0sXX5dICFUpNfgodK8wCAw ...or just go to the regular parts store, since it is a Dorman part. These have the taper feature already on them, so sealing to the head is not an issue.
I removed an AIR system recently, looked high and low for a "Made for this purpose" plug. Didn't find one, heard they used to make them, just not now. So I went to my local auto parts and bought hex head brass plugs and used them. I don't remember the size but I see someone has already said they are a commonly found thread on them. Fittings for flare lines on these old cars have a regular bolt thread, so just grab a 3/8 x 16 bolt to see if it fits and keep trying until you find one that does. I believe I used anti-seize and didn't get too wild on torque and had no leaks. If you look closely at the pictures posted, the nut tightens against a collar back away from the flare, hence no fittings made like that. And actually even though it is some sort of flare it in certainly not a commonly seen flare such as a fuel or brake line. I remember this well because as I said I did this recently.
I used these to plug the holes and they worked great, used some anti-seize on them. No issues. From what I remember reading, the AIR system has some value, possibly in CA where factory emission equipment still needs to be present an functioning.
Pretty much everyone takes them off, if the vehicle is '75 or older, because the state doesn't check them at all anymore, either at resale or biennially. There may be someone who wants it to replace any worn or missing pieces, though.
The Dorman part can also be purchased at Orielly Auto parts. We carry or can get all Dorman items. I guess I am lucky I didn't have them on my wagon. but will be looking to delete the air system in both my 84 Lincoln Town car and my other project my 85 Crown Vic 2 door. Tim
