Shim Torque Converter?

[PsRumors]

New one on me. Part of my new trans instructions are below and talks about shimming the torque converter.

"The best way to be absolutely certain that the converter is fully indexed into the front pump is to place the

transmission/converter assembly up against the back of the engine. The bolt lugs on the converter should not be touching the
flex plate. There should be a gap between the flex plate and the converter bolt lugs. With the transmission bolted to the engine,​

this gap should be approximately 3/16” but no more than ¼”. (If the gap is larger than ¼”,

precision shims must be installed to​

obtain the proper gap before the converter bolts are installed.)."

I have a gap of about 3/8s of an inch. I had just never heard of shimming a torque converter. Are there torque converter shims? Or just use a washer(s)?​

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[rhuarc31]

Just use a washer. I've seen it happen a lot, particularly with reman torque converters. Got one like that in my truck now as a matter of fact. Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[PsRumors]

I do believe this may be caused by a cheap torque converter. The converter that came with my trans is a "PDQ Quality Torque Converter". I don't have much faith that it is a high quality converter.

The snout of the converter is seated well before the bolt lugs come close to the converter. I ended up with a gap of 1/4" between the flex plate and converter once the snout was seated in the crank. Not too happy with that. Takes 3 washers to fill the gap. I will be calling BTO 1st thing Monday.

 

[79k20350]

Theres typicly a gap. (3/16") that common. If your a 1/4 thats not much more... If your 3/8" then id be worried. Being that its from bto id have faith in them, although a call couldnt hurt.

 

[PsRumors]

Theres typicly a gap. (3/16") that common. If your a 1/4 thats not much more... If your 3/8" then id be worried. Being that its from bto id have faith in them, although a call couldnt hurt.

So 3/16" gap betweem the bolt lugs on the converter and the flex plate AFTER the snout is fully seated in the crank is common?

The 3/8" is with the torque converter pushed as far from the flex plate as possible.

 

[79k20350]

If im hearing you right, then yes. When you push the torque convertor all in way into the tranny, between the flex plate and the threaded boss on the convertor there should be a gap. At least in every one ive seen there has been at least some gap...

 

[PsRumors]

I guess I am not explaining well. I am not talking the converter pushed INTO the trans.

Trans is mounted. Pull the torque converter to the flywheel. The snout of the converter bottoms out in the CRANK before the mounting lugs reach the flexplate.

Does that make since?

 

[gmc4cw]

I guess I am not explaining well. I am not talking the converter pushed INTO the trans.

Trans is mounted. Pull the torque converter to the flywheel. The snout of the converter bottoms out in the CRANK before the mounting lugs reach the flexplate.

Does that make since?

I understand this post. that doesn't seem right. the mounting lugs should touch the flywheel when you pull the converter towards the engine. if its only a really small gap a washer might be alright but if this is where you have a 3/8" gap you have problems.

 

[PsRumors]

I understand this post. that doesn't seem right. the mounting lugs should touch the flywheel when you pull the converter towards the engine. if its only a really small gap a washer might be alright but if this is where you have a 3/8" gap you have problems.

You have it. Now this is not where I have a 3/8" gap but I do have about 7/32 which equates to about 3 washers. Still doesn't seem good.

 

[79k20350]

gotcha now. Havent seen that before. If the something in the center of the convertor thats differant than a standard one?

 

[PsRumors]

Well the button on the front of the converter is MUCH bigger round than the one on the 700r4. It's killing me, I am ready to move on and can't really do anything till I can call BTO Monday.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Sounds to me like you have a pilot bushing for a manual trans still in the end of the crank which isn't allowing the convertor to pull up against the flexplate correctly. I've seen this several times in the past. Pull the trans backwards enough to make sure there isn't a clutch pilot bushing still in the crank.

 

[PsRumors]

Sounds to me like you have a pilot bushing for a manual trans still in the end of the crank which isn't allowing the convertor to pull up against the flexplate correctly. I've seen this several times in the past. Pull the trans backwards enough to make sure there isn't a clutch pilot bushing still in the crank.

Done that, nothing there. The 700r4 was there last and it pulled right up like it should.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Well, next you need to check the diameter of the torque convertor nub to make sure it isn't too large and stopping it from entering the crank.

 

[PsRumors]

The converter nub is 2/100s (0.02) of an inch bigger than the recieving hole in the back of the crank. Would it be ok to use a die grinder with a mild wheel to "clean" the hole up? It's clean now but I am sure you know what I mean.

 

[Muddytazz]

The converter nub is 2/100s (0.02) of an inch bigger than the recieving hole in the back of the crank. Would it be ok to use a die grinder with a mild wheel to "clean" the hole up? It's clean now but I am sure you know what I mean.

Me personally I wouldn't. You'll throw off any balance from you have on whatever you are going to grind. Best thing would be to take it out and take it back for the correct one.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I would not do that. If the convertor doesn't center correctly you can easily wipe out the tranny pump from misalignment.

 

[PsRumors]

I ended up taking a piece of fine sandpaper with WD40 and polishing the pilot hole by hand. Just to make sure there was nothing hanging everything up. There was still some paint on the bottom side of the hole. Couldn't see it till I spun the crank around.

Everything slides together nicely now.

Thanks guys.