Can anyone tell me what the pulse unit on the mk5 escort actually does and if it would be possible to remove it and replace the exhaust manifold with a stainless steel item (minus pulse unit). I've been through several and the exhaust manifold is blowing again from it argh!!!!!

 

presume you mean the air injection system that feeds into the exhaust manifold?
It's sole purpose is for emmissions, to help the catalyst light off earlier at initial startup. It's only active during early stages of coldstart running. Remove it without causing a problem.

 

Cheers for that, really helpful.

Do you know if the car will still pass an MOT from an emisiions point of view?

 

yes, just ensure the Cat is hot when the test is done - goes without saying anyway really.

 

Thanks for the advise mate, it's saved me a headache. The pulse units are Ł300 odd +vat from Ford and i'm on my third. The custom made ss manifold is only Ł350 fitted. Thanks again.

 

rich, what would you do with the pipe that goes to the box????

 

Wouldn't have thought about that but thats why i need the help i suppose. Any ideas?

 

up for both of us, the one on my fiesta si is buggered and if I don't have to get one for it then sorted!! Already had to get one for my mum's escort cos the manifold to downpipe gasket went, and the plastic bit melted along with the crank sensor wiring!!

 

Up she goes

 

sorry guys - been busy..
I really can't remember what we did with the pipe, apart from the obvious of block it off....
can you remind me where the pipe runs to?

 

No idea rich!!! Not looked yet!! Did my manifold at work today though, chopped off the collars from the pipes, filled them with weld ready to go back in!!

 

For anyone interested in this subject i have now removed the pulse unit from the car. Strangely enough although Ford tell me they never made a Mk5 Escort Zetec without a pulse unit Ford actually list a part called a 'non pulse unit blanking plug' They are the proper plugs if you want to make a neat job of removing the pulse unit. I bought 4, removed the pulse unit and have been running the car for the last week without it. Unsure about emmision readings but i can confirm that the car is running better than it has ever run!!!!!!!!