Muffler
On the Chevrolet 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 Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick single exhaust systems, the resonator, the intermediate pipe, the muffler, and the tail pipe are serviced as one unit.
On the Chevrolet and Oldsmobile 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 Pontiac dual exhaust system is serviced similarly, except the tail pipes are serviced separately.
Hangers
Important: Improperly installed supports can cause annoying vibrations which can be difficult to diagnose.
Various types of hangers are used to support exhaust systems:
| • | Conventional Rubber Straps |
| • | Rubber Blocks |
| • | Rubber Rings |
Clamps
Two types of clamps are used for connecting exhaust system slip joints:
| • | Saddle/U-bolt |
| • | Single Nut Compression |
Coat the slip joints with exhaust system sealer before assembling.
Welded Connections
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.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
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.
Diagnosis -- Noise
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.
Diagnosis -- Performance
Exhaust system performance complaints, such as excessive back pressure, are noticeable by their effect on engine performance. However, other faulty vehicle components, such as emisssion 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.
On-Vehicle Service
Three individual components of the single exhaust system for the Chevrolet and two individual components for the Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick can be serviced:
| • | Intermediate Pipe and Resonator (Chevrolet) |
| • | Muffler and Tail Pipe (Chevrolet) |
| • | Muffler and Tail Pipe -- including the intermediate pipe (Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick) |
| • | Three Way Catalytic Converter (All) |
Four individual components of the dual exhaust system for the Chevrolet and Oldsmobile, and five components for the Pontiac can be serviced:
| • | Intermediate Exhaust Pipe and Resonator (All) |
| • | Left-hand Muffler and Crossover Pipe (Pontiac and Oldsmobile) |
| • | Left-hand Muffler with Crossover Pipe and Tail Pipe (Oldsmobile) |
| • | Left-hand Muffler with Partial Crossover Pipe and Tail Pipe (Chevrolet) |
| • | Right-hand Muffler and Tail Pipe (Chevrolet and Oldsmobile) |
| • | Right-hand Muffler (Pontiac) |
| • | Tail Pipe(s) (Pontiac) |
| • | Three Way Catalytic Converter (All) |
Hangers
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.
