It sounds like a dirt bike?

DAVENOOB

MEMBER
2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA
3.6L
V6
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

So, my car listed above was running fine, I shut it off ran in a store came out and started and it sounds like a dirt bike. Got home visual inspection and no obvious damage, rust, or loose parts. Started up and I can feel exhaust from by the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter in-between engine and fire wall. Could this be a gasket? Is there an easy way to find out without just taking the whole system apart? Any feedback or links would be great thanks. I can add a video so I can hear if needed thanks again.

8 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Yes, please! If we can hear the sounds, it will help us find out what is wrong and how to fix it. I would check to make sure all of the spark plugs are inserted as well. I have included common places for the exhaust system to leak so we can get an idea of where it might be coming from. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.

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Sunday, September 1st, 2024 AT 6:50 PM

DAVENOOB

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So, I had bad terminology not exhaust manifold but one of 3 catalytic converters. The leak is by the rear fire wall and engine I can feel it and it increases and decreases to in sync with engine idle. AutoZone says 1 new cat is $800 on eBay motors can get both engine cats for about $300. Are these worth it? Anyways if I have to take apart to replace gasket might as well replace the cat as well, I think.

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Monday, September 2nd, 2024 AT 10:09 AM

KEN L

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Thanks for the video. Yep, that is a catalytic converter or gasket that has gone bad. I have had good luck with the Ebay parts I have gotten in the past so that might be a good option for you. Here is how to remove the right side (rear) cat to help fix the problem, make sure you clean the gasket surfaces before reassembly. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.

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Monday, September 2nd, 2024 AT 10:55 AM

DAVENOOB

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Will I need to remove the entire exhaust to pull the cats out? Do you have a key that identifies the numbered parts in the diagram? Thanks
Should I replace o2 sensors? Also, should they be fine as long as I don't damage them when removing?

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Monday, September 2nd, 2024 AT 11:41 AM

DAVENOOB

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I'll let you know for sure. I ordered the left and right converters. You said make sure the gasket is clean so I don't need any special lubes or anything to replace this, just make sure all gasket areas are clean?

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Monday, September 2nd, 2024 AT 3:52 PM

KEN L

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You can use high temperature silicone for the gaskets, also you can use the oxygen sensors again if there are no codes for them and they don't get damaged when removing. You don't need to remove the entire exhaust system. Here are the torque specs for the job as well. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.

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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 AT 8:16 AM

DAVENOOB

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Cool, thanks. So, just clean where gasket goes right. I have new gaskets, O-rings, drier and something else coming got a kit just not one with the condenser.

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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 AT 1:29 PM

KEN L