After acquiring a '71 240 last month, I just took it to in for a North Carolina inspection..it failed. The smog pump is not hooked up(no belt), and the pump cannot be turned by hand, so I guess its fried. Many comments here suggest the pump's removal, to boost power, but how do you suggest getting around the state inspections without the pump in working condition.

Most likely the pump is froze up from not being used in quite some time. But that can be gotten around pretty easily.

The pump works off a simple concept. It has 3 vanes inside mounted on the shaft. When turning, the vanes produce air current, much like a fan. If not used, then those vanes will stick themselves to the inside of the pump.

What you need to do (other than just throwing the whole away), is pull the pump apart and get those vanes loose. Once you have the pump apart, then remove the vanes completely and put the pump back together. This way, you can hook a belt up to the pump pulley and the pump will look like it's running, but in fact it won't be doing anything at all. Only downside is the slight drag of the belt.

Does the pump need to be there for inspections, or do you just have to pass emissions? If the latter, you can probably pass by cleaning/tuning the carbs, and an oil change.

We don't have such nonsense for classic cars here in NY (yet..)

Thanks Kmack for the great info. on the smog pump. Assuming that I can get the smog pump unstuckand I install another belt I have another related question about the "T" valve connection that runs from the smog pump to engine. Currently it is plugged, and the "T" has been removed. I am assuming that I should replace it, and the smog pump will essentially be "running", but with no air flow.

To Axrph, because of the car's age, it is my understanding that the the factory equipment must simply be "in place", and that they do not test the emissions.

Daniel might be able to help you shed some light on what you can do as he is also in Charlotte.

Seems to me, if it only has to be in place and they don't test the emissions, it should pass as the pump is now "in place", just not operable.