Installing torque converter to flywheel

[djv5150]

I have a question when installing the torque converter to the flywheel is there a balance point that must be lined up. We installed the torque converer and transmission to MM#2 and when I shift into any gear it creates a knocking sound comeing from the area of the torque converter, if I drive the car it seem to go away when the vehicle hits overdrive. I was just wondering if I missed a step connecting the motor and transmission. or is it a bad converter or trans. The car is all stock.

[babbage]

No there is no balance point. It's the same on all "sides" Did you make sure it was properly seated? Double check the shift linkage cable, if it's too tight or loose it may cause the symptom you describe. Unbolt shift cable, put car in first gear (leaver) then manually move the linkage by hand so that the trans is also in first gear. Then reconnect and see if that makes a difference.

You guys did a great job fixing/swapping the engine - how does the engine run?

[Joe Walsh]

No "balance point" just 4 bolts through the flexplate.
It can be tricky getting the nose of the torque convertor seated all the way into the back of the crankshaft recess.
Also it can be difficult getting the torque convertor seated all the way onto the tranny's input shaft.
If you didn't seat it properly and then torqued down the transmission-to-block bolts you might have created the problem.

[djv5150]

No there is no balance point. It's the same on all "sides" Did you make sure it was properly seated? Double check the shift linkage cable, if it's too tight or loose it may cause the symptom you describe. Unbolt shift cable, put car in first gear (leaver) then manually move the linkage by hand so that the trans is also in first gear. Then reconnect and see if that makes a difference.

You guys did a great job fixing/swapping the engine - how does the engine run?

Thanks I will give it a try.

[FordNut]

Maybe the converter bolts are loose or too long. Aftermarket converters use bolts instead of studs, so if the bolts are too long they will bottom out instead of clamping tightly onto the flexplate.

[fastblackmerc]

If your using a PI convertor you have to use some "persuasion" with a BFH to get it seated in the front pump.

Make sure all the bolts are torqued.

Might be a cracked flexplate.

[babbage]

Maybe the converter bolts are loose or too long. Aftermarket converters use bolts instead of studs, so if the bolts are too long they will bottom out instead of clamping tightly onto the flexplate.


This is a very good point - I think they are using a stock setup.

[djv5150]

No "balance point" just 4 bolts through the flexplate.
It can be tricky getting the nose of the torque convertor seated all the way into the back of the crankshaft recess.
Also it can be difficult getting the torque convertor seated all the way onto the tranny's input shaft.
If you didn't seat it properly and then torqued down the transmission bolts you might have created the problem.

How can I tell if it is seated all the way, when rotating will it slip into a grove or seat.

[djv5150]

This is a very good point - I think they are using a stock setup.

Stock tranny setup with nuts checked and all seem to be tight

[babbage]

If your using a PI convertor you have to use some "persuasion" with a BFH to get it seated in the front pump.

Make sure all the bolts are torqued>

Might be a cracked flexplate.


AHem I'm gonna have to disagree. NO HAMMER SHOULD BE NEEDED.

I have a PI and mine seated very nicely, turn click, goes in, turn click, goes in, seats fully. Took all of 7 pounds of force.

[babbage]

How can I tell if it is seated all the way, when rotating will it slip into a grove or seat.

yes, push in on the converter towards the transmission, about 7 pounds of force needed (not much at all) apply this inward pressure while spinning the TC. You will see it go in perhaps 1/2 inch. Then spin it some more while applying pressure on the TC -> trans. It will click and sink in another 1/4" or so. Then it's fully seated.

[fastblackmerc]

AHem I'm gonna have to disagree. NO HAMMER SHOULD BE NEEDED.

I have a PI and mine seated very nicely, turn click, goes in, turn click, goes in, seats fully. Took all of 7 pounds of force.

Just going by what i was told.

[FordNut]

If your using a PI convertor you have to use some "persuasion" with a BFH to get it seated in the front pump.

Make sure all the bolts are torqued.

Might be a cracked flexplate.


AHem I'm gonna have to disagree. NO HAMMER SHOULD BE NEEDED.

I have a PI and mine seated very nicely, turn click, goes in, turn click, goes in, seats fully. Took all of 7 pounds of force.


yes, push in on the converter towards the transmission, about 7 pounds of force needed (not much at all) apply this inward pressure while spinning the TC. You will see it go in perhaps 1/2 inch. Then spin it some more while applying pressure on the TC -> trans. It will click and sink in another 1/4" or so. Then it's fully seated.

Never hit it with a hammer to try and seat it. Expensive damage can occur.

Twist and push, sometimes you even have to pull it out a bit. (Pull out 1/8" or so, turn, push in, repeat). You can feel it when everything lines up properly and it seats all the way.

[FordNut]

Is the flexplate properly torqued to the crank?

[Joe Walsh]

Never hit it with a hammer to try and seat it. Expensive damage can occur.

Twist and push, sometimes you even have to pull it out a bit. (Pull out 1/8" or so, turn, push in, repeat).
You can feel it when everything lines up properly and it seats all the way.


OK...OK...Much as I am tired of it....I gotta jump in with the standard:

"That's what she said!"

Sorry.....I couldn't resist....:o

[djv5150]

Is the flexplate properly torqued to the crank?

It is torqued down but I did have issues lineing the holes up,
I'm going to unbolt and try again looking at all the options provided here I think the converter may not be seated correctly.

[cougar9150]

Let me know Dave, I'm booked this weekend but can lend you the big jack, stands and any tools or extensions you may need. I'll talk to you tonight.