Torque'd about my converter

[abnovak]

I am finally reinstalling my engine ('66 I6 & C4 auto) after completing the body work. After mating the torque converter to the mounting plate, the studs on the converter are interferring with the spacer plate. The spacer plate is not warped so I am baffled.

I have about 1/4 in of stud sticking out after I tighten the nuts. How dumb is it to shave a fraction of that off or to use washers? I don't like jerry rigging it. This used to work but I just cant figure it out; I don't want to do something dumb. Neither the original manual nor Chilton talk much about torque converter installation urg!

Any ideas?

 

[allcarfan]

by mounting plate, I assume you mean...Flexplate? The plate with teeth on it? As for the studs interfering with the spacer plate....I have no idea what 'spacer' plate you are referring to. Can u give us a more technical term or explain where this spacer plate is?

 

[abnovak]

Sorry, I thought I was using the terms right out of the parts manual.

Mounting plate is probably the flexplate you mention. I mounts to the crank shaft then the converter attaches to that. No prob mounting toe the flexplate.

Spacer is the term the parts catalog uses, at least Mustangs Unlimited does. It is the flat metal plate the goes between the trans and the block. Its like a metal gasket. It sits on the upper half of where the block and trans mate. The is a circular opening on it where the start mounts as well.

If this doesnt help, I will take pictures but I can't seem to post pictures to this forum.

Thanks for the assist.

 

[allcarfan]

ok, I know exactly what you are talking about now. I am assuming that this is an aftermarket converter with longer and thicker studs?


If, after you torque down the nuts, there is 1/4" more of the stud hanging out, you can cut it off. However, wherever you purchased the converter, you should let them know what is going on. Also, before anything, make sure your trans and engine are bolted together and everything else is tightened up.....this may line everything up so the studs wont touch.

Keep me informed please, i will help as best I can.

 

[abnovak]

Thanks. It the same converter that came with the car when I bought it and at one time it fit. My dad and I had this problem last time we put it together and then it just seemed to work but neither of us can remember what we did. I've had it on and off 8 times trying to make sure its not on wrong.

I will keep trying and see what I can do. If all else fail, I will take off 1/16th or so, thats all it needs.

p.s. Are the flange nuts reuseable if in good shape. Someone told me they should only be used once then replaced. True?

 

[allcarfan]

wait...

i have an idea...

Are you sure the converter is seated right on the trans? I mean...did you fill it half way with fluid? (the converter), slide it on the input shaft...and then keep rotating the converter and applying pressure? It should 'slide' onto the input shaft about 3 times. You have to keep turning and applyinh pressure at the same time....not a lot of pressure, just push on it. This cant be done when bolted to the engine.

You cant just put the converter on, turn it and think its on there.