Chrysler Stratus Convertible. Manual — part 5

SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE

DESCRIPTION

N·m

Ft.

Lbs.

In.

Lbs.

Band Clamps—Fastener

75

55

—

Catalytic Converter to Exhaust
Manifold Flange—Fasteners

32

24

—

Cross Under Pipe—Fasteners

31

—

250

Heat Shields to Body—
Fasteners

5

—

40

JX

EXHAUST SYSTEM

11 - 7

EXHAUST SYSTEM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

page

page

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

EXHAUST SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
CATALYTIC CONVERTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
HEAT SHIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
EXHAUST FLEX-JOINT COUPLING. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

EXHAUST SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

EXHAUST SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

CLEANING AND INSPECTION

EXHAUST SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ADJUSTMENTS

ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

EXHAUST SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

The exhaust system is produced in one configura-

tion (Fig. 1). The system has a front mounted cata-
lytic converter, muffler and resonator. Tail pipes,
mufflers, and resonators are tuned to each power-
train combination.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

DESCRIPTION

The under-floor, three-way catalytic converter inlet

is connected to the exhaust manifold by use of a flex

joint and gasket. The outlet connects to the exhaust
system.

OPERATION

The three-way catalytic converter simultaneously

converts three exhaust emissions into harmless
gases. Specifically, HC and CO emissions are con-
verted into water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) are converted into elemen-
tal Nitrogen (N) and water. The three-way catalyst is
most efficient in converting HC, CO and NOx at the
stoichiometric air fuel ratio of 14.7:1.

The oxygen content in a catalyst is important for

efficient conversion of exhaust gases. When a high
oxygen content (lean) air/fuel ratio is present for an
extended period, oxygen content in a catalyst can

Fig. 1 Exhaust System

1 – CATALYTIC CONVERTER
2 – RESONATOR
3 – MUFFLER

4 – CLAMP
5 – CLAMP

JX

EXHAUST SYSTEM

11 - 1

reach a maximum. When a rich air/fuel ratio is
present for an extended period, the oxygen content in
the catalyst can become totally depleted. When this
occurs, the catalyst fails to convert the gases. This is
known as catalyst “punch through.

9

Catalyst operation is dependent on its ability to

store and release the oxygen needed to complete the
emissions-reducing chemical reactions. As a catalyst
deteriorates, its ability to store oxygen is reduced.
Since the catalyst’s ability to store oxygen is some-
what related to proper operation, oxygen storage can
be used as an indicator of catalyst performance.
Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Pro-
cedure for diagnosis of a catalyst related Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC).

The combustion reaction caused by the catalyst

releases additional heat in the exhaust system, caus-
ing temperature increases in the area of the reactor
under severe operating conditions. Such conditions
can exist when the engine misfires or otherwise does
not operate at peak efficiency. Do not remove spark
plug wires from plugs or by any other means short
out cylinders, if exhaust system is equipped with a
catalytic converter. Failure of the catalytic converter
can occur due to temperature increases caused by
unburned fuel passing through the converter. This
deterioration of the catalyst core can result in exces-
sively high emission levels, noise complaints, and
exhaust restrictions.

The use of catalysts also involves some non-auto-

motive problems. Unleaded gasoline must be used to
avoid poisoning the catalyst core. Do not allow engine
to operate above 1200 RPM in neutral for extended
periods over 5 minutes. This condition may result in
excessive exhaust system/floor pan temperatures
because of no air movement under the vehicle.

CAUTION: Due to exterior physical similarities of
some catalytic converters with pipe assemblies,
extreme care should be taken with replacement
parts.

There

are

internal

converter

differences

required in some parts of the country (particularly
vehicles

built

for

States

with

strict

emission

requirements).

HEAT SHIELDS

DESCRIPTION

The exhaust system heat shields are attached to

the under body of the vehicle (Fig. 2). All engines are
equipped with a heat shield crimped on the top of the
catalytic converter.

OPERATION

Heat shields are needed to protect both the vehicle

and the environment from the high temperatures
developed near the catalytic converter. All engines

Fig. 2 Heat Shields

1 – GROUND STRAP
2 – MUFFLER

3 – HEAT SHIELD
4 – RESONATOR HEAT SHIELD

11 - 2

EXHAUST SYSTEM

JX

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)