Secondary Air Pump thing (what does it do?)

I've seen posts about codes in my search, but not what it does. Just curious. Thanks!

 

It's an emissions device. I think they are bullshit cheats to emissions. It essentially shoots a secondary air source into the exhaust stream and helps the vehicle adjust it's fuel air ratio mix from some of the readings it provides\causes. originally it was to control exhaust. now it's function is more for the catalytic converter and stopping un-burned fuel from getting to the cat or it can melt the inside of the cat. It just pumps extra air into the system and the car is supposed to run cleaner and better. I have done v-8 conversions on some older Toyota hilux models and if the engine going in had all the emissions bullshit then you had to make it all work again or health dept would not pas it for emissions. total crap in my book. I have had to prove many times that the small block v8 Chevy motor i was installing didn't have that stuff. or you would have to find headers with air injection ports built into them, Air pump, computer, and wiring for it.

 

Thanks for that info!! I assume that's what's making the "PFFT" sound when I start up. Any benefit in removing it or better just left alone?