C4 install problems

zookeeper

Founding Member
Aug 25, 2001
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Rogue River, Oregon
OK, here's my situation: although I originally planned to use a T5 in my car, I decided to use the original C4 until I have all the parts and the money to do it. So I put the trans in last nite and when I went to tighten the the converter nuts, I couldn't turn the motor over. All the plugs were out and I was using a long breaker bar on the crank, but it wouldn't budge. So I loosened the trans bolts and it turned easily. I checked to see what was binding, and it seems the converter nuts and the factory weights are hitting the plate behind the flexplate. Before I remove the trans to see what's up, the only thing I'm not sure of is the location of a spacer. It's been months since I removed the engine and trans, and there is a spacer/washer that I thought went on the trans side of the flexplate acting as a washer for the flexplate bolts, but it could just as well go between the crank and the flexplate, which would space it away from the block 1/32" or so. Does anyone know the correct location of this spacer/washer? Any other solutions would be greatly appreciated. I know all the trans parts will work together, since the trans, converter and flexplate all came out of the car, but the motor is not. Are there different cranks that would allow the flexplate to sit closer?
 
We put our c4 in last weekend. The flexplate should only go on one way, because the opposite way it will rub on the block. You put the flexplate on, then the washer type thing (i think it's to reinforce the flexplate.) Torqueing the bolts through the flexplate was tough for us because it turned the crank so we ended up having to put some bolts in the harmonic damper then put a bar across to keep it from turning. Once you get the flexplate on and torqued you slide the tranny up on it, being sure to line up the torque converter into the flexplate. It should slide up on freely. Spin it until it clicks into place (2 clicks possibly?) You should be able to spin the torque converter freely, and it should spin the flexplate.
 
Flexplate should be shaped like picture below.
 

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I never counted how many clicks, but I always just looked at it. When it is in far enough, it'll in as far as, the flexplate sticks out from the block. Looks like quite a ways when you are looking athe the stall.
 
I just got finished and you guys were right, the converter was not all the way into the pump. It was only out about 1/4", but evidently that was 1/4" too much. I dropped the trans down, rotated the converter a bit and pushed and it went back a bit. I just hope it didn't damage the pump, but I think (hope) the flexplate gave enough to save the pump. Anyway, thanks a bunch for all the advice!