I. Bead Removal

1. With the car level on the hoist, install aspirator J-29132-2 to the tailpipe outlet and secure the support chain. The tail pipe should be cool to prevent damage to the rubber boot.

NOTICE:
The aspirator filter MUST be clean prior to starting this procedure. Failure to clean the filter will prevent proper bead installation.





Connect an air supply (130 PSI) to the aspirator, see figure (1). Normal aspirator operation may be considered noisy.

NOTICE:
If the vehicle has dual tail pipes, one of the tail pipes must be blocked off with sealing tape or a suitable plug.

This creates a vacuum in the converter to hold the beads in place when the fill plug is removed.

CAUTION:
A dust mask should be worn. Particles may be emitted from the tailpipe.

2. On C, K trucks only, install a transmission support stand and remove the transmission cross member (five bolts) to allow access to the converter fill plug.





3. To remove the converter fill plug, drive a small chisel between the converter shell and the fill plug, see figure (2).





CAUTION:
Safety glasses should be worn. Catalyst beads may be hot.

Use care not to damage the converter shell. Continue to deform the fill plug, until it can be removed with pliers, see figure (3).

NOTICE:
Do not pry the fill plug from converter as damage to the converter sealing surface could result.





4. Install the catalyst remover tool J-29132-1 to fill plug opening and secure to exhaust system by wrapping the retaining chain over exhaust system. Fasten the loose end of the chain to the remover, see figure (4).

The remover can be rotated in any direction if interference is encountered.

NOTICE:
The catalyst remover must be held tightly in place against the converter.

5. Disconnect the air supply from the aspirator. Remove the aspirator from the tailpipe and connect it to the exhaust opening of the catalyst remover. Reconnect the air supply to the aspirator, see figure (4).

6. Attach a shop exhaust vent hose to tail pipe.





7. Connect a second air supply to the catalyst remover air jet fitting and slowly move the control handle back and forth within a 180 degree arc. The air stream should be directed toward the rear of the converter and to both sides, see figure (5).

8. Use an air chisel equipped with tool J-29132-4 held against side of converter under the pinch weld flange, and vibrate converter along the pinch weld flange which will aide in the removal of the beads, see figure (4).

9. Disconnect both air supply lines and remove the catalyst remover tool from the converter. Leave the converter beads in the catalyst remover tool. Remove the shop exhaust hose from the tailpipe.

CAUTION:
The catalyst beads may be hot.