Exhaust System Pontiac/Buick

When inspecting or replacing the exhaust system components, ensure that there is adequate clearance from all points on the underbody. Adequate clearance prevents overheating of the floor pan and possible damage to the passenger compartment insulation and the trim materials.

Check the complete exhaust system, nearby body areas, and the rear compartment lid for the following conditions which could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the rear compartment or passenger compartment:

Dust or water in the rear compartment may be an indication of a problem in one of these areas. Any faulty areas should be corrected immediately. To help insure continued integrity, the exhaust system pipe rearward of the muffler must be replaced whenever a new muffler is installed.

On the single exhaust systems for the L82 and the L36 engines, the entire exhaust is serviced with one pre-welded part. The single exhaust system is comprised of the following components:

On dual exhaust systems for the L36 and the L67 engines, the exhaust system is serviced as five different components which can be clamped together. The dual exhaust system is comprised of the following components:

Always replace the gasket at the flanged joint between the exhaust system and the three way catalytic converter when any service procedure necessitates disrupting this flanged joint. Never reinstall the original gasket.

Important: Improperly installed supports can cause annoying vibrations which can be difficult to diagnose.

Various types of hangers are used to support exhaust systems:

When servicing a welded connection, it should be cut and the new connection clamped. When installing replacement parts, coat the slip joints with exhaust system sealer before assembling.

Important: The three way catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel only.

The three way catalytic converter is an emission control device that is added to the exhaust system to reduce pollutants from the exhaust gas stream.

Periodic maintenance of the exhaust system is not required. If the vehicle is raised for other service, it is advisable to check the condition of the complete exhaust system.

Rattles and noise vibrations in the exhaust system may be caused by misaligned parts. When aligning the system, leave all bolts or nuts loose until all of the parts are properly aligned. Then, tighten the bolts and nuts working from the front to the rear.

Exhaust system performance complaints, such as excessive back pressure, are noticeable by their effect on engine performance. However, other faulty vehicle components, such as emission control devices, have similar effects on engine performance and may be characterized by the same symptoms or complaints. For further information, refer to Engine Controls.

Exhaust System Chevrolet/Oldsmobile

When inspecting or replacing the exhaust system components, ensure that there is adequate clearance from all points on the underbody. Adequate clearance prevents overheating of the floor pan and possible damage to the passenger compartment insulation and the trim materials.

Check the complete exhaust system, nearby body areas, and the rear compartment lid for the following conditions which could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the rear compartment or passenger compartment:

Dust or water in the rear compartment may be an indication of a problem in one of these areas. Any faulty areas should be corrected immediately. To help insure continued integrity, the exhaust system pipe rearward of the muffler must be replaced whenever a new muffler is installed.

On the exhaust systems, the resonator and intermediate pipe are serviced as one unit. The muffler and the tail pipe are also serviced as one unit.

On the single exhaust systems, the resonator, the intermediate pipe, the muffler, and the tail pipe are serviced as one unit.

On the dual exhaust system, the left side muffler, the tail pipes, and the partial crossover pipes are serviced as one unit. The right side muffler and the tail pipes are serviced as one unit. The resonator and intermediate pipe are serviced as one unit.

The exhaust system uses rubber hangers attached to the rear support on the rear suspension and a welded rod on the exhaust pipe. Additional rubber hangers are located at the rear of the muffler(s). Additional rubber hangers are attached to welded rods on the muffler(s) and a bracket on the body.

Two types of clamps are used for connecting exhaust system slip joints:

Coat the slip joints with exhaust system sealer before assembling.

When servicing a welded connection, it should be cut and the new connection clamped. When installing replacement parts, coat the slip joints with exhaust system sealer before assembling.

The three way catalytic converter is an emission control device that is added to the exhaust system to reduce pollutants from the exhaust gas stream.

Important: The three way catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel only.

Periodic maintenance of the exhaust system is not required. If the vehicle is raised for other service, it is advisable to check the condition of the complete exhaust system.

Rattles and noise vibrations in the exhaust system may be caused by misaligned parts. When aligning the system, leave all bolts or nuts loose until all of the parts are properly aligned. Then, tighten the bolts and nuts working from the front to the rear.

Exhaust system performance complaints, such as excessive back pressure, are noticeable by their effect on engine performance. However, other faulty vehicle components, such as emission control devices, have similar effects on engine performance and may be characterized by the same symptoms or complaints. For further information, refer to Engine Controls.

Service the three individual components of the Chevrolet single exhaust system and the two individual components of the Oldsmobile exhaust system as follows:

Service the four individual components of the Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dual exhaust system as follows: