[W126 Coupe] Air Pump Emag clutch

[Richard Hesek]

  Hi,
 My air pump electromagnetic clutch has bought the farm.
I am a little hesitant to just unplu it since other components, like the
cat, mght be in jeopardy.
I would like to replace it to preserve the operation of the emissions
control but at $300 and the fact that I have heard discussion regarding the
need for the air pump I figure I will listen to what the list members have
to say.

How necessary is the air pump and what consequences might there be if it
was disabled?
Section 14.050 of the manual says it simply warms up the cat for a few
seconds upon start up.

Thanks,
 Rick Hesek
87 560SEC, federal.