1982 CHEVROLET CAMARO Repair Guide

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 457
EXHAUST SYSTEM

INSPECTION
Safety glasses should be worn at all
times when working on or near the exhaust
system. Older exhaust systems will almost always be covered with loose rust
particles which will shower you when dist urbed. These particles are more than a
nuisance and could injure your eye.
CAUTION - Do NOT perform exhaust repairs or inspection with the engine or
exhaust hot. Allow the system to cool completely before attempting any work.
Exhaust systems are noted for sharp edges , flaking metal and rusted bolts.
Gloves and eye protection ar e required. A healthy supply of penetrating oil and
rags is highly recommended.

Fig. 1: Cracks in the mu ffler are a guaranteed leak

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 458

Fig. 2: Check the muffler fo r rotted spot welds and seams
Your vehicle must be rais ed and supported safely to inspect the exhaust system
properly. By placing 4 safety stands under the vehicle for support shoul\
d
provide enough room for you to slide u nder the vehicle and inspect the system
completely. Start the inspection at t he exhaust manifold where the header pipe
is attached and work your way to the back of the vehicle. On dual exhaust
systems, remember to inspect both sides of the vehicle. Check the complete
exhaust system for open seam s, holes loose connections, or other deterioration

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 459
which could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment.
Inspect all mounting brackets and hangers for deterioration, some models may
have rubber O-rings that can be ov erstretched and non-supportive. These
components will need to be replaced if fou nd. It has always been a practice to
use a pointed tool to poke up into the exhaust system where the deterioration
spots are to see whether or not they crumble. Some models may have heat
shield covering certain parts of the ex haust system , it will be necessary to
remove these shields to have the exh aust visible for inspection also.

Fig. 3: Make sure the exhaust co mponents are not contacting the body or
suspension

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 460

Fig. 4: Check for overstre tched or torn exhaust hangers

Fig. 5: Example of a badl y deteriorated exhaust pipe

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 461

Fig. 6: Inspect flanges fo r gaskets that have deterio rated and need replacement

Fig. 7: Some systems, like this one, us e large O-rings (donuts) in between the
flanges

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 462
REPLACEMENT
There are basically two types of exhaust sy
stems. One is the flange type where
the component ends are attached with bolts and a gasket in-between. The other
exhaust system is the slip joint type. These components slip into one another
using clamps to retain them together.
CAUTION - Allow the exhaust system to c ool sufficiently before spraying a
solvent exhaust fasteners. Some solvents are highly flammable and could ignite
when sprayed on hot exhaust components.
Before removing any component of the ex haust system, ALWAYS squirt a liquid
rust dissolving agent onto the fasteners fo r ease of removal. A lot of knuckle
skin will be saved by following this rule. It may even be wise to spray the
fasteners and allow them to sit overnight.

Fig. 8: Nuts and bolts will be extremely difficult to remove when deteriorated
with rust
FLANGE TYPE
CAUTION - Do NOT perform exhaust repairs or inspection with the engine or
exhaust hot. Allow the system to cool completely before attempting any work.
Exhaust systems are noted for sharp edges , flaking metal and rusted bolts.
Gloves and eye protection ar e required. A healthy supply of penetrating oil and
rags is highly recommended. Never spra y liquid rust dissolving agent onto a hot
exhaust component.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 463

Fig. 9: Example of a fl ange type exhaust system joint
Before removing any component on a fl ange type system, ALWAYS squirt a
liquid rust dissolving agent onto the fast eners for ease of removal. Start by
unbolting the exhaust piece at both ends (if required). When unbolting the
headpipe from the manifold, make sure that the bolts are free before trying to
remove them. if you snap a stud in t he exhaust manifold, the stud will have to
be removed with a bolt extractor, which often means removal of the manifold
itself. Next, disconnect the component fr om the mounting; slight twisting and
turning may be required to remove the co mponent completely from the vehicle.
You may need to tap on the component wit h a rubber mallet to loosen the
component. If all else fails, use a hacksaw to separate the parts. An oxy-
acetylene cutting torch may be faster but the sparks are DANGEROUS near the
fuel tank, and at the very least, accident s could happen, resulting in damage to
the under-car parts, not to mention yourself.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 464
SLIP JOINT TYPE

Fig. 10: Example of a co mmon slip joint type system
Before removing any component on the slip joint type exhaust system,
ALWAYS squirt a liquid rust dissolvin g agent onto the fasteners for ease of
removal. Start by unbolting the exhaust piece at both ends (if required). When
unbolting the headpipe from the manifold, ma ke sure that the bolts are free
before trying to remove them. if you s nap a stud in the exhaust manifold, the
stud will have to be removed with a bolt extractor, which often means removal
of the manifold itself. Next, remove the mounting U-bolts from around the
exhaust pipe you are extracti ng from the vehicle. Don't be surprised if the U-
bolts break while removing the nuts. Loosen the exhaust pipe from any
mounting brackets retaining it to t he floor pan and separate the components.

Fig. 11: Intermediate pipe attachment at muffler