I just installed a new torque converter, and bolted the trans back to the block. The k-member is out of the car so this was easy to do. I know the converter is engaged with the front pump and all the way up on the imput shaft, but there is about 1/4 of an inch space between the flywheel and converter. The instructions say that this is acceptable and to pull the converter forward no more than 3/16 of an inch to bolt it up. Would it be acceptable to put a hardend steel washer between them before I bolt it down? Im not crazy about pulling the converter forward and away from the transmission.

 

Its fairly common to use washers between the converter and flywheel. I usually take some feeler gauges and measure the gap first then add the correct amount of washers. I'm pretty sure the acceptable amount of distance between the two is .125 -.180, anything more would require washers. Just make sure they are all the same thickness and use the same amount all the way around.

Also, if the converter has blind holes make sure the bolts don't bottom out before they are torqued, and don't forget to use loctite.

 

Its fairly common to use washers between the converter and flywheel. I usually take some feeler gauges and measure the gap first then add the correct amount of washers. I'm pretty sure the acceptable amount of distance between the two is .125 -.180, anything more would require washers. Just make sure they are all the same thickness and use the same amount all the way around.

Also, if the converter has blind holes make sure the bolts don't bottom out before they are torqued, and don't forget to use loctite.

 

You're supposed to pull the converter into the flexplate.

Washers are always a good idea though.

 

You should pull the converter out of the pump atleast an 1/8". If you shim it with flat washers, make certain all 3 washers are the exact same thickness. Washers often vary in thickness from one to the next. This is impartant to keep the converter balanced.

Frank
CPT

 

Well we installed it with new hardware, but apparently it pulled the torque converter so far away from the trans that something isnt engaging. Fired the car up and cant get the car to go into any gear. Were going to try to put washers between the flywheel and converter tomorrow and pray thats what the problem is.

 

hey, i'm having a similar issue, except mine ran in gear for a distance... but how far away is acceptable to pull it out? i always thought a 1/4 inch was fine

 

The ideal clearance is about .100" - .125", anymore than this requires a spacer to bring it down to this clearance (total movement of the torque converter fore & aft). The spacers must be "identical" in thickness when doing this so as to keep the torque converter centered in the front pump bushing area, at all times. If you do not keep the thickness of the spacers indentical, you stand the chance of wiping out the front pump bushing from the offset, which will cause the front seal to leak, and possibly spin the pump bushing, which in turn will ruin the pump, etc., and as Frank said, it could cause balance problems also. The reason for this clearance, is to get "maximum" pump rotor to torque converter hub "contact" area, which will give the least problems in terms of wear (less metal particles in the fluid), and possible breakage of the rotor.

 

generally as a rule if you can fit 3 washers in the gap, then use 2 washers and tighten it down.