Engine - Poor Performance/No Start Condition
Model Year 1982Bulletin No. 82-T-124
File In Group 64
Number 42
Date Sept. '84
SUBJECT: RESTRICTED EXHAUST ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DUAL BED CONVERTERS
MODELS AFFECTED: 1981 & 1982 EQUIPPED WITH 5.0 LITER V-8 GASOLINE ENGINES (VIN CODE Y)
CONDITION
Some 1981 and 1982 Buicks equipped with an Oldsmobile manufactured V-8 gasoline engine (VIN Code Y) may develop a restricted exhaust due to the catalytic converter becoming plugged. This can result in poor engine performance or a no start condition.
CORRECTION
Catalytic converter replacement may be required on vehicles suspected of having a plugged converter. With this bulletin, Buick is releasing a new converter kit package which includes the beads in the upper bed and a plug for sealing the lower bed after installing beads per instructions in this bulletin. Prior to installing this new converter proper diagnosis of restricted exhaust is essential. The following is a recommended diagnostic procedure to determine if the exhaust is restricted.
A. Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes and repair as necessary.
FIGURE 1:
B. Remove A.I.R. hose at left or right air manifold check valve and remove check valve. See Figure 1. When removing check valve, two (2) wrenches must be used to avoid twisting off air manifold pipe.
C. Use a low pressure gauge such as a fuel pump gauge and connect it to the air manifold.
D. Run the engine at 2500 rpm and note the pressure reading.
E. Any reading above 1.25 psi indicates a restricted exhaust.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
If the previous diagnosis indicates a restricted exhaust the catalytic converter must be replaced using the following procedure:
1. Remove converter using procedures listed in the applicable Chassis Service Manual.
2. Stand the old converter upright on the inlet end and pour 16 ounces of water into the outlet end to control catalyst dust.
FIGURE 2:
3. Using a hammer and chisel, remove the fill hole plug from the lower bed. (The smooth side of the converter is the lower bed side). See Figure 2.
4. Hold the converter over a clean pan (J-34155-2) and empty the catalyst beads by shaking. It may be necessary to tap the converter belt flange with a hammer to loosen the beads.
5. Pour the beads into a sifting pan (J-34155-1) and sift to remove undersized beads.
6. The new converter, obtained from the Parts Information Section of this bulletin, should be propped up at a 45~ angle with the lower bed fill hole at the top.
7. Using funnel J-34155-3 pour the sifted beads into the lower bed of the new converter. If additional beads are required to completely fill the lower bed, it will be necessary to obtain a lower bed bead kit from the parts department. Excess beads from the kit should be saved in a clean container for future use.
8. Lay the converter down on a flat surface with the lower bed fill hole on top.
9. Insert the fill plug into the lower bed fill hole. The fill plug outer rim must rest against the converter body.
FIGURE 3:
10.. Insert the plug installer tool (J-34118) into the fill plug and tighten to 47 N-m (35 ft.lbs.) Figure 3.
11. Install the converter on the vehicle using procedures listed in the applicable Chassis Service Manual.
SPECIAL TOOLS
Special Tools J-34155-1, -2, and -3 referred to in Steps 4, 5, and 7 of the Service Procedure were previously provided by Buick.
PARTS INFORMATION
Parts are to be obtained from WDDGM using the following part numbers. Removed parts are to be retained in accordance with the current Service Policies and Procedures Manual.
Description Part Number
Converter with Upper Beads 1981-82 - 5.0L 25057007
(Includes Fill Hole Plug)
Lower Bed Bead Package*
(If Needed to Fill Converter) 5.0L 25056895
Converter Front Exhaust Clamp
(If Needed) 5.0L 1259609
* A Lower Bed Bead Package, when used along with the beads removed from the old converter, will complete approximately 10 vehicles.
Additional fill hole plugs, if required, may be ordered using part number 8998202.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Operation Number: T4076
Labor Hours: 0.9 Hrs.
Trouble Code: 92
NOTE: When submitting a warranty claim the parts amount requested must reflect an amount equal to only the portion of the bead package used for completing the repair when a complete bead package is not required. If only a portion of the bead package is used a parts count of one (1) must be entered and included in the total parts count entry.