NEED HELP! Torque converter
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: Mobile Alabama
AL Events Coordinator
NEED HELP! Torque converter
Any help is much appreciated.
I have 2001 auto, I had recently rebuilt the engine and upgraded to a large cam. So..I installed a TCI torque converter, after install it drove fine but I was just not happy with how it performed. I then purchased a new Yank converter. When I installed the Yank converter, reassembled the car it would not move. The trans is going in gear, but car does not move, wheels do not turn. I then again dropped trans and torque tube thinking maybe I didn't seat the converter all the way. I have the converter all the way down, reassembled and same issue. Does anyone have any idea of what I am missing?
Thanks in advance
I have 2001 auto, I had recently rebuilt the engine and upgraded to a large cam. So..I installed a TCI torque converter, after install it drove fine but I was just not happy with how it performed. I then purchased a new Yank converter. When I installed the Yank converter, reassembled the car it would not move. The trans is going in gear, but car does not move, wheels do not turn. I then again dropped trans and torque tube thinking maybe I didn't seat the converter all the way. I have the converter all the way down, reassembled and same issue. Does anyone have any idea of what I am missing?
Thanks in advance
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 104
From: Springfield Ohio
Did you inspect the pump for damage? If there is a chance the torque converter wasn't fully seated when you bolted it up to the drive shaft, then the pump was most likely damaged and will need to be repaired. Double check that the trans has the proper fluid fill and all of the electrical connections are tight.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 104
From: Springfield Ohio
I might add that if the pump was damaged, the trans fluid will be contaminated and the trans will need to be rebuilt. The torque converter should also be sent back to Yank for cleaning before it's reinstalled. There aren't any other good options and neither trans nor converter will last long if both aren't done.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,294
Likes: 1,579
From: Western NY
I hate to admit it, but I did something similar, when I had the tranny "re-done" for a mid-90s Camaro that I used to own. Did the R&R myself, and when I installed the new converter, I didn't get it fully seated, I thought "two clicks" was seated, but it was actually 3. I fired up the car, still on the jackstands, and the "wheels no turn". Spoke to the gentleman that rebuilt the tranny, and he asked how many "clicks" the converter made, when I installed it. I told him, and he replied, "Take it back out and bring it back....you didn't get it fully seated, and just effed-up the pump"...…...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Is the trans properly filled and topped off with fluid??
When you properly seat the converter and have it pressed all the way into the pump, it will actually contact some of the fasteners on the pump if the converter is rotated (before it bolted to the flex plate). I installed a new converter into an A4 and thought I did something wrong. Discussed it with a trans expert and he stated that it was normal and the converter does NOT sit that far in once its bolted to the flex plate.
Hope you didn't wind up damaging anything.
Did you have to FORCE the TT bell housing to the trans when you mated them up??
You should NEVER have to force it.
BC
When you properly seat the converter and have it pressed all the way into the pump, it will actually contact some of the fasteners on the pump if the converter is rotated (before it bolted to the flex plate). I installed a new converter into an A4 and thought I did something wrong. Discussed it with a trans expert and he stated that it was normal and the converter does NOT sit that far in once its bolted to the flex plate.
Hope you didn't wind up damaging anything.
Did you have to FORCE the TT bell housing to the trans when you mated them up??
You should NEVER have to force it.
BC
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Oct 22, 2018 at 10:21 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 904
Likes: 295
From: Sacramento, California
Most converters have a locating pin that needs to slide into the back of the crank. I've seen and also personally had problems with aftermarket converters that wouldn't locate properly because the pin was either too big or powder coated which also increases the diameter so it doesn't slide in properly. If it's just too much paint, you can just sand it off till it fits, but if the pin is bare metal and still too big, your better off sending it back because trying to remove metal to make it fit might also cause it to become unbalanced. I've also seen aftermarket converters that needed washers added between the converter mounting tabs and flexplate in order to not only make sure the locating pin was properly inserted into the crank, but also to make sure converter end play was within spec. I'm not sure if any of this applies to a vette since they use a TT, but thought I'd mention it anyway.
Steve
Steve
Last edited by killian96ss; Oct 22, 2018 at 10:48 AM. Reason: Added information
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: Mobile Alabama
AL Events Coordinator
Thanks guys for all of your input. I will be checking and filling trans fluid and checking all connections. If that doesn't do it, I guess I will once again disassemble the rear end and tranny. @BillCurlee, I did not force the TT bell housing in the tranny, it lined right up. It did "click" 3 times when I was installing the TC, that is why I was certain it was seated properly.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The trans FILL procedure is very specific. MUST be followed to the "T" using the service manual fill /check instructions. Must be done engine running and drivetrain fully warmed from under the car.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, many people get this procedure wrong.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, many people get this procedure wrong.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 137
Likes: 8
From: Dallas Tx
I even had a (well known) high end corvette shop here in Dallas mess it up. I had to do it myself - it was a quart short. I guess they don't handle many automatic transmissions. Or they were looking for more work...
