Torque Converter to Flex plate Clearance Question

[1-ton]

Once an automatic transmission is bolted to an engine how much clearance should there be between the flex plate and torque converter? The pump on my 4L80E is starting to whine a little because I think there was a little to much clearance between the flex plate and converter when I installed the new crate engine. I think the torque converter shaft is only riding on about 75% to 80% of the pump gear. My flex plate/torque converter probably needed some 1/4" shims.

 

[6872xtc]

I am not positive that I am correct, but I thought that 1/8" to 3/16" the recommended range.

 

[Bent77]

I use to push the converter all the way into to pump, then sneak a washer or two in there and pull it back off the pump. No issues, but always used grade 8 hardware

 

[Blue85]

I have done the same. You want to make sure the washers are very flat and consistent. Maybe run a file across to take off any burrs. I've heard that reman converters are sometimes a little short in the snout, but have no real reference for that. @Greg Ducato could chime in with real numbers.

 

[dyeager535]

I have done the same. You want to make sure the washers are very flat and consistent. Maybe run a file across to take off any burrs. I've heard that reman converters are sometimes a little short in the snout, but have no real reference for that. @Greg Ducato could chime in with real numbers.

I actually had a TH400 converter chew through the drive ears on the pump because it was pulled too far out of engagement. IIRC my solution was to flip the pump over and run it lol.

I was told by my trans rebuilding buddy at the time that it happens that reman converters can be too "short", as was the case with mine.

 

[mrk5]

I've had to use extra spacers too. At the time I did some searching and found it wasn't that uncommon.

 

[Greg Ducato]

1/8 minimum and 3/16 maximum is the ideal set up. Use a drill bit of those sizes for an easy gauge between the pad and flexplate. Shim accordingly to achieve the number using sae washers of uniform thickness.