torq converter install
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yes, you cannot install the engine with the TC bolted to it. You must install the TC into the transmission, making sure it seats through all three 'steps' to where you cannot get a finger between the TC and the transmission bell housing.
Make sure it has fluid in it, a quart is fine, and once the TC is on the input shaft of the transmission you can install the engine, and connect the two from under the car with the dust shield removed.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Big Springs Nebraska
that is how I always do it. if you attempt to put on the flywheel first, you can destroy the seal on the front of the trans, and may not get the tq converter fully seated into the trans and cause more trouble during the install. just intall the tq converter into trans, then drop the engine in and bolt up, this will prevents some headaches in install plans.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,713
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
One important trick: make sure you get the right seal. For whatever reason there are a lot of different sizes. make sure your new one matches.
Just use a flat screwdriver to pry out the old one then tap the new one in a little at a time kind of moving around from side to side to get it to seat flat. A small block of wood helps.
Lube the front of the new seal when your done and put some additional tranny fluid on the snout of the converter before you slide it on.
Just use a flat screwdriver to pry out the old one then tap the new one in a little at a time kind of moving around from side to side to get it to seat flat. A small block of wood helps.
Lube the front of the new seal when your done and put some additional tranny fluid on the snout of the converter before you slide it on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
with both above. When installing the seal, just take your time, and use a rubber hammer. When installing the TC spin it as you put it in the transmission. It should "click" in 2 or 3 times, depends on your transmission. Just make sure it is ALL the way in. You'll know if it's not when you install motor to transmission, it won't go all the way together. Good Luck
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
I just got done doing this. I only clicked the converter on 2 times, instead of 3, and the engine would not fit all the way in. Keep spinning the converter while pushing on it gently. When it is all the way on, you will not be able to fit your fingers behind it at the bottom of the transmission.
As far as the front seal, I bought a seal puller from a parts store. it eventually came out, but not after tearing the snot out of the old seal. The new one was stubborn getting in because the front transmission shaft is there, so you cannot put a block of wood over the whole seal. Like any pressed in seal, you tap on one side, and the other comes back loose.
As far as the front seal, I bought a seal puller from a parts store. it eventually came out, but not after tearing the snot out of the old seal. The new one was stubborn getting in because the front transmission shaft is there, so you cannot put a block of wood over the whole seal. Like any pressed in seal, you tap on one side, and the other comes back loose.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
When I did the tranny rebuild, the instructions with the kit and the TC both said to install the TC empty and add 4 qts to the tranny (assumes dry), start and run for a few seconds, then add 3 more and fire it up. Recheck and top off if necessary.
Seems the Pump will fill the TC quickly and running it with the TC dry for a few minutes won't hurt it. Makes sence, its only some parts spinning on a bearing, nothing starts to happen in there with no juice.
Seems the Pump will fill the TC quickly and running it with the TC dry for a few minutes won't hurt it. Makes sence, its only some parts spinning on a bearing, nothing starts to happen in there with no juice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 816
Likes: 1
From: Finland
When I did the tranny rebuild, the instructions with the kit and the TC both said to install the TC empty and add 4 qts to the tranny (assumes dry), start and run for a few seconds, then add 3 more and fire it up. Recheck and top off if necessary.
Seems the Pump will fill the TC quickly and running it with the TC dry for a few minutes won't hurt it. Makes sence, its only some parts spinning on a bearing, nothing starts to happen in there with no juice.
Seems the Pump will fill the TC quickly and running it with the TC dry for a few minutes won't hurt it. Makes sence, its only some parts spinning on a bearing, nothing starts to happen in there with no juice.
Definitely I would put oil into TC before installation...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 1
From: AL
best to use recommendation from T/C vendor. last one i used said to fill the converter full, even if it took 24 hours. evidently critical that it was full, at least for warranty. (what could it hurt by filling?)
some T/C can be started dry and some require fluid. i don't happen to know which are which . . . so long as your aware
some T/C can be started dry and some require fluid. i don't happen to know which are which . . . so long as your aware
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,713
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Fill it this full and you'll pour out a fair bit of fluid when you try to mount it. Remember that you're pouring it in while the converter is horizontal but you mount it vertically. If you fill it completely (very hard to do by the way), half will drain out when mounted unless you get it sealed REALLY fast.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 1
From: AL
a little did come out (maybe a spoon full), but not as much as i expected; not sure how much may have drained into empty tranny . . . i questioned the instructions (confirmed with vendor), but followed them anyway. fwiw . . .
