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Installing trans on Non-running motor

mtnman210

mtnman210

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I went to install my tranny tonight and without even thinking about it, ran into a problem. What are my options for installing the bolts from the torque converter to the flywheel if the motor isn't wired at all.

The only things I could think of would either be wire the motor which I don't really have time for at the moment or pull the spark plugs and turn it by hand, but being a big block I'm sure that won't be fun either.

One last thing I was considering was to just mount the torque converter to the flywheel while it's off the tranny and then slide the tranny on once it's bolted up. Any problems with going this route?
 
The motor isn't that hard to turn over, even with plugs in there. Just turn the motor over by hand (and if you're having a lot of trouble overcoming the compression, spin the motor slower).
 
Do not. Do not. Mount the convertor to the flywheel first. You can turn the motor by hand as said above even with the plugs in.. You can use the crank bolt or a screw driver in the teeth.
 
As said above, do not attempt this. You probably will not be able to seat the converter into the pump correctly. I bought a flywheel wrench just for this, it's fairly cheap and is a lifesaver.

flywheel wrench.jpg
 
Yeah don't put the converter on the flexplate first (wouldn't you still need to turn the motor over?). The converter needs to engage the front pump, thats what the slots are for on the snout of the converter. Put the converter on the input shaft, spin it while pushing it back towards the rear of the trans. Go around a couple of times, then go back the other way to make sure it's seated all the way. You should feel it click into the pump. Depending on the trans it could be one or two clicks.

As for spining the motor over, put a socket on the balancer bolt and use a breaker bar to turn it.
 
Im going to sound like an ECHO in here but DO NOT install the convertor to the flexplate and try to bolt the trans up or YOU WILL ruin the trans pump. You can just wait to bolt the convertor to the flexplate once you have the engine running again. If you're worried about it not having park or something like that there are no worries there as the convertor being bolted to the flexplate has no bearing on the park gear.
 
ok I'll just go with the turn by hand method.


on a side question now.....how do I know if the converter is mounted on the trans correctly. I've slid it on and it seems like it's all the way on/back. Is there a way to check?
 
mtnman210 said:
ok I'll just go with the turn by hand method.


on a side question now.....how do I know if the converter is mounted on the trans correctly. I've slid it on and it seems like it's all the way on/back. Is there a way to check?
Click to expand...


Spin the converter around, it'll engage the pump after a few turns.
 
If you can't stick your finger between the inside of the bellhousing and the convertor then it's on all the way. When you mate the engine and trans together just be careful and make sure before starting to slam bolts in that the convertor still spins when the engine and trans are mated and you're all good.
 
just to make sure I've got it.

When I've got the bellhousing bolted to the back of the block I should still be able to spin the converter.
 
one way to help you spin te flywheel is to simply lay on your back and use your foot, its easier, does not hurt your hand and your already under their on the ground anyways. Just hold on to the frame and push with sole of your shoe.

works like a charm and is quick, ive used on the 454 with the plugs in.
 
on a th400 atleast, when the converter is seated back all the way (for me it seems to set back in about 3 steps) it seems like it is about 2" back from the bellhousing flange. Like if you laid a straightedge across it would have about a 2" gap.

Oh yeh....dont mount the converter to the flexplate (sorry I just had to)
 
4X4HIGH said:
If you can't stick your finger between the inside of the bellhousing and the convertor then it's on all the way. When you mate the engine and trans together just be careful and make sure before starting to slam bolts in that the convertor still spins when the engine and trans are mated and you're all good.
Click to expand...

Yep and I check it on the bottom of the trans to see if fingers fit if they do spin a little and it will drop another maybe 3/8 of an inch or so into trans.

I toasted a tranny once by not getting the torque converter all the way in.
 
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