Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Exhaust All sections

Engine Exhaust System: Overview Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD

Exhaust ~305 words

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. 4: The exhaust system has very low back pressure under normal conditions. If the exhaust system is restricted, a significant increase in the exhaust pressure is noticed on the J 35314-A . See «Special Tools»(ref-317246-S02407459082009060900000) . Removing the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) sensor may set a DTC. When finishing this diagnostic table, be sure to clear all codes.
  2. 5: This step will isolate the catalytic converter from the remainder of the exhaust system.
  3. 8: Confirming that the condition has been fixed is essential. If the symptom still exists and the vehicle has a dual exhaust system, proceed to Step 2 and repeat diagnostic procedure on the opposite exhaust pipe.
StepActionValue(s)YesNo
1Did you verify the customers complaint?Go to Step 2
2Did you review the exhaust symptoms diagnostic information and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 3Go to Symptoms - Engine Exhaust
3Is the vehicle equipped with a 6.6L diesel engine?Go to Diagnostic AidsGo to Step 4
4Remove the HO2S that is in front of and closest to the catalytic converter. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 for the 4.3L engine, or to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 (2500 Series - Cab/Chassis) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 (2500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 (1500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 (2500 Series - Cab/Chassis) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 (2500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 (1500 Series) for the 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L engines. Install the J 35314-A Exhaust Back Pressure Gage in place of the HO2S. See Special Tools . Start the engine. Increase and monitor the engine speed at 2,000 RPM. Observe the exhaust system back pressure reading on the gage. Does the reading exceed the specified value?20 kPa (3 psi) If equipped with a 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, or 6.2L - 3.4 kPa (0.5 psi)Go to Step 5Go to Step 8
5Turn the engine off and place the ignition in the lock position. Remove the J 35314-A . See Special Tools . Re-install the HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 for the 4.3L engine, or to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 (2500 Series - Cab/Chassis) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 (2500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 (1500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 (2500 Series - Cab/Chassis) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 (2500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 (1500 Series) for the 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L engines. Remove the post-catalyst HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 for the 4.3L engine, or to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 (2500 Series - Cab/Chassis) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 (2500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 (1500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 (2500 Series - Cab/Chassis) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 (2500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 (1500 Series) for the 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L engines. Install the J 35314-A in place of the post HO2S. See Special Tools . Start the engine. Increase and monitor the engine speed at 2,000 RPM. Observe the exhaust system back pressure reading on the gage. Does the reading exceed the specified value?20 kPa (3 psi) If equipped with a 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, or 6.2L - 3.4 kPa (0.5 psi)Go to Step 6Go to Step 7
6Inspect 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 Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 8
7Replace the catalytic converter. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement (With LU3) or Catalytic Converter Replacement (With V8 Engine) or Catalytic Converter Replacement (With LMM) or Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (With Cab Chassis) . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 8
8Remove the J 35314-A . See Special Tools . Reinstall the HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 for the 4.3L engine, or to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 (2500 Series - Cab/Chassis) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 (2500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 (1500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 (2500 Series - Cab/Chassis) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 (2500 Series) or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 (1500 Series) for the 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L engines. Clear any codes. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 2

Restricted Exhaust

Exhaust System Description

IMPORTANTUse of non-OEM parts may cause driveability concerns.

The exhaust system carries exhaust gases, treated by the catalytic converter, through the muffler and into a resonator, if applicable where exhaust noise is lessened.

In order to secure the exhaust muffler assembly to the exhaust manifold, a flange and seal-joint coupling is utilized. The exhaust system may utilize a slip-joint coupling design with a clamp and a U-bolt or a flange connection with a gasket.

Exhaust hangers and rubber insulators help to support the weight of the exhaust system along with insulating any exhaust system vibration, rattle, or noise.

Exhaust hangers also space the exhaust system away from the underbody of the vehicle and allows the exhaust system to expand as the exhaust system warms up.

Exhaust heat shields are used to protect the underbody and other components from damage due to the heat from the exhaust system.

The exhaust system may be comprised of the following components

  1. Catalytic converter
  2. Exhaust hanger
  3. Exhaust heat shield
  4. Exhaust insulator
  5. Exhaust manifold
  6. Exhaust muffler
  7. Exhaust pipe
  8. Exhaust resonator, if equipped
  9. Exhaust tail pipe, if equipped