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How to Replace the Catalytic Converter on a 1993 Saturn SL2

The catalytic converter on your Saturn SL2 bolts to a flange on the rear of the head pipe coming off the engine. A clogged converter can cause the engine to run very rough and will build up excessive amounts of heat under your car, which can radiate into the passenger compartment through the floorboards. While many people shy away from exhaust work, you can change the converter at home in the driveway and save yourself a potentially large repair bill.

Instructions

1

Position a jack under the front of your SL2 and raise the front end off the ground so you can work underneath it. Place a set of jack stands under the front suspension then lower the jack, allowing the car to settle onto the jack stands.

2

Slide under the car near the back of the front wheels. The catalytic converter attaches to the head pipe near the rear of the engine with four bolts and a mounting flange. Loosen the nuts on the four bolts with a socket and ratchet, but do not remove them yet.

3

Locate the exhaust clamp on the pipe at the rear of the catalytic converter where it joins the rear exhaust pipe. Remove the two nuts from the clamp, then remove the clamp from the pipe. Move to the front of the converter and remove the four mounting bolts that you loosened earlier, then lower the front of the converter away from the head pipe.

4

Pull the converter forward, sliding it out of the rear pipe. Lower it to the ground and remove it from under the car.

5

Position a new converter under the car and raise it until you can slide the rear fitting on the converter into the rear pipe. Slide it in far enough to allow you to raise the front flange to the flange on the head pipe.

6

Install a new brass gasket between the front flanges, then install the four mounting bolts and nuts. Tighten the bolts with a socket and ratchet on one side and a wrench on the other. Install a new exhaust clamp on the rear pipe and tighten the nuts to secure it. Do not over-tighten it, or you will crush the exhaust pipe.

7

Move out from under the car and raise it off the jack stands with a jack. Remove the jack stands then set the car on its wheels. Remove the jack from under the car.

Posted by Unknown at 4:30 PM

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