I am preparing to pull my 350 and in doing such preparation I have disconnected my flexplate from the torque converter. The instructions that I was following told me that once the three bolts are removed from the flexplate and converter, the converter should push back and spin freely. I have removed all bolts, spun the flex plate around to be sure I didn't miss one, and attempted to separate the converter. It doesn't budge.

Is this normal in some cases? Does this indicate a problem? BTW, I have a TH400, if that tells you anything.

Thanks.

This doesn't sound good. I have never had one where the converter wouldn't seperate and move back at least a quarter inch. How long have they been assembled? Is it possible they are rusted together?

I have had to use a large flat screwdriver or pry bar between them to help slide the convertor into the bellhousing.

the torque converter has a hub about 1.5" in diameter, this fits tight in a corresponding hole in the back of the crank. This is what actually centers the converter. sometimes it gets a little rusty in there and the converter sticks.

I have a giant screwdriver with a sguare shaft. I was able to get it up in there and twist with a wrench on the shaft. you can also just pry against the flexplate, but you might bend it. try finding a wood block of some sort that you put between the oil pan and the flexplate down low. rotating it helps too, wiggle it out sort of. Keep trying, it'll eventually pop out. I use anti-seize on them after learning all this stuff the hard way.

Tom