Catalyst Removal

1985 Buick Century V6-231 3.8LSECTION Catalyst Removal

Fig. 23 Aspirator installation:




Fig. 24 Vibrator installation:





Monolith type converters are not serviceable. The following procedure applies only to pellet type catalytic converters.
1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Install aspirator, Fig. 23, and connect an air line to aspirator, creating a vacuum in the converter, thereby holding pellets in place when fill plug is removed.
3. If converter is equipped with threaded fill plug, use a 3/4 inch Allen wrench and remove fill plug from converter.
4. If converter is equipped with pressed fill plug, lightly drive a small chisel between converter shell and fill plug until fill plug distorts. Remove fill plug with pliers. Do not pry fill plug from converter, since damage to fill plug sealing surface may result.
5. Install vibrator and catalyst container, then adapter J-25077-6, if equipped with pressed fill plug, Fig. 24.
6. Disconnect air line from aspirator and connect to vibrator. Catalyst will now drain from converter.
7. When all catalyst has been drained from converter, remove container and discard the used catalyst.



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:

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