Exhaust System Check (Except Saturn)

2001 Chevrolet Chevy Express G2500, Van Cargo Extended, 5.7 R, L31/KL8SECTION Exhaust System Check (Except Saturn)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 31 other vehicles, including the 2002 Saturn SL2, 2002 Saturn SL1, 2002 Saturn SL, 2002 Saturn SC2, and 2002 Saturn SC1. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: While engine is operating, the exhaust system will become extremely hot. To prevent burns avoid contacting a hot exhaust system.
  1. Remove the pre-catalyst HO2S sensor. Install the Exhaust Back Pressure Gauge (J 35314-A) in place of the HO2S sensor. Start and run the engine. Increase and monitor the engine speed at specified RPM. See EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE SPECIFICATIONSΒ  table. Observe the exhaust system back pressure reading on the gauge. Does the reading exceed the specified value? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step Β 6.
  2. Turn the engine off and place the ignition in the lock position. Remove the J 35314-A. Install the pre-catalyst HO2S sensor. Remove the post-catalyst HO2S sensor. Install the J 35314-A in place of the post HO2S sensor. Start and run the engine. Increase and monitor the engine at specified RPM. See EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE SPECIFICATIONSΒ  table. Observe the exhaust system back pressure reading on the gauge. Does the reading exceed the specified value? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step Β 4.
  3. Inspect the exhaust system for the following conditions:
    • Damage in the exhaust pipe.
    • Debris in the exhaust pipe.
    • Muffler or resonator internal failure.
    • Two-layer exhaust pipe separation.

    After repairs, go to step Β 5.

  4. Replace the catalytic converter. After repairs, go to next step.
  5. Remove the J 35314-A. Install the post-catalyst HO2S sensor. Clear any codes. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to step Β 1.
  6. Remove the J 35314-A. Install the pre-catalyst HO2S sensor. Clear any codes. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to step Β 1.
EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine RPM Pressure (PSI)
2.2L, 2.4L, 3.1L Malibu, 3.4L Alero & Grand Am, 3.8L Camaro & Firebird, & 5.7L Camaro, Corvette & Firebird 2000 2.0
3.1L Century & Grand Prix, 3.4L Impala & Monte Carlo, 3.5L, 3.8L Bonneville, Grand Prix, Impala, LeSabre, Monte Carlo, Park Avenue & Regal, 4.0L & 4.6L 2500 1.25
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.