Drivetrain Clutch, Torque Converter, Transmission, Driveline, Axles, Rear Ends

Bad torque converter?

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Old Dec 27, 2013 | 07:33 PM
  #1  
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Bad torque converter?

So I've had my 95 TA for about 5 yrs now and ever since I had it it has been "surging" while cruising. I have tried to figure this problem out engine/sensor wise. Can't. Seem to figure it out.

While searching online i saw that a bad converter will "surge" when bad or going bad. When im cruising 4th gear 1500 rpm, the car will drop 300 rpm and feel very sluggish. It will bounce back up and then go down again and keep doing it. Sometimes it will stop after doing this a few times.

The transmission was just rebuilt with all stock parts except molded pistons and the z pak. The converter was new that i got with a "cheap" rebuilt trans off ebay. I wouldnt doubt it was junk when i got it just like the trans.

Any way i can tell if the converter is the problem? If not, anyone have any ideas as to an engine sensor. The motor has about 2000 miles after rebuild, but it did it with the engine that was in it when i got it and a used engine.

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Old Dec 27, 2013 | 08:20 PM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

my camaro has been doing the same thing since i ripped my 2-4 band racing a cammed ls1 (still won) im thinking i might have ruined my converter, but i had a shop check it out they told me it was a misfire in my engine causing it, and now that im doing a cam swap in my motor im noticing my timing chain was soo loose that it was ready to jump time, so i would check with your engine builder and see if he reused your original timing chain, mine was soo loose that it was leting my cam come about 4deg out of sync with the crank, and i can only imagine thats why my motor was jerking
Old Dec 27, 2013 | 08:30 PM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

I am the engine builder, lol. And i did reuse it but it didn't seem loose to me.

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Old Dec 27, 2013 | 10:12 PM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

So i'm reading that the stoplight switch also controls the converter lockup. How can i test it? Does it get adjusted, that it could be off?

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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 09:57 AM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

Posting this on "Drivetrain" (rather than Engine Tech) might get better results. Frank from CPT reviews the posts a couple times a week, and offers what appears to be excellent advice and feedback.
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 10:27 AM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

...

Last edited by popo8; Dec 28, 2013 at 10:39 AM.
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 10:37 AM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

Lol... Wrong site.
Old Dec 28, 2013 | 10:50 AM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

Fred, can you move it?

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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 08:21 AM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

LOL... No, Popo. I'm here too.
A bad converter clutch will usually produce a chatter or a shudder. It will almost feel like you're running over railroad tracks.
You can check the brakelight switch with a test light.
When you are at a steady cruise of 55 miles per hour, lock up should be applied. Without taking your foot off the accelerator, and without changing speeds or throttle position, lightly tap the brake pedal with your left foot. This should unlock the converter and RPMs will go up a couple hundred. It should then reapply shortly after.

Frank
Old Dec 29, 2013 | 08:36 AM
  #10  
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Re: Bad torque converter?

Yes it does that frank. So what would cause it to lock/unlock while normal cruising?

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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 08:39 AM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

Here is my discussion on another forum.

http://www.camarozone.com/forum/f15/...verter-185987/

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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 09:34 AM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

Do you have any codes in the system? A lock up issue will usually throw a code because the computer is looking for an RPM drop. I would also suggest finding a scanner that can watch data. You can watch TCC Apply to see if the computer is commanding the converter to cycle for any reason. You can also watch your brake switch with a scanner. Having this info will help determine if it's something in the transmission or something external.
As far as the trans/converter themselves, a bad TCC or PWM solenoid could cause TCC cycling. A worn TCC regulator valve bore in the valve body can cause it. An internal crossleak. Worn pump stator bushings. Bad lock up o-ring on the input shaft. Worn input shaft where the o-ring rides. Bad converter clutch. crack in converter clutch piston...Or wrong year transmission for the vehicle.

Frank
Old Dec 29, 2013 | 11:48 AM
  #13  
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Re: Bad torque converter?

I do have the 94/95 free software on my laptop.. its hard to watch it while im driving though. I can view live trans data on the also. No trouble codes.

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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 11:51 AM
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Re: Bad torque converter?

Do a data log..... you can replay and look at when the converter unlocks, when the brake switch is active, when RPM goes up/down, etc.
Old Dec 29, 2013 | 12:15 PM
  #15  
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Re: Bad torque converter?

Fred, i have no idea what i'm looking at. Say if someone would look at the log, how would the know when its happening?

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