I had a VERY bad evening. Was hoping to get everything ready to install my bbc motor/t350 trans for tomorrow night. I have done lots of research on how to install the torque converter onto the trans and hook everything up properly. Even printed out a bunch to have by my side. I did everything correct as I know, BUT the DARN thing wont go the third thump back. I spent a VERY frusterating TWO hours doing this 15 sec job. The evening just kept getting worse. Does anyone have the one stupid little trick I'm missing? I have the trans and TQ loaded up ready to take to a trans shop my buddy owns, but this just bugs me. During the two hours, I'm sure I tried every dumb thing not needed, just to eliminate options or errors. I even tried to put the TQ on another trans and couldn't get that on either. I also tried another old TQ just as practice and couldn't get that also. Just needs to go back the 3/8 or so. The new TQ came with the new trans that came with my car, just not installed. I have no idea what TQ it is.

Any ideas would be great as I will be dwelling on this. I'm sure I will be heading to my truck to keep trying thoughout tonight and tomorrow.

On a good note, I almost have all my parts gathered and just waiting for installs. Hope for fire up in two weeks. Man I've been waiting along time for this, only to get kicked on this simple task.

Sorry for the long read, VERY frustrating evening.

Michael.

BUT the DARN thing wont go the third thump back.

I thought there were only two steps back, not three. I could be wrong. :confused:

Through research, I'm not suppose to be able to put my fingers behind the TQ upon final seating. The TQ also sits out too far and to close to the flexplate and would have a (roughly) 3/8 gap to pull the trans and motor together. This means I dont have it back far enough.

Please advise if I'm wrong. I just have not personally done an auto yet.

Thanks,

mj

I've had TH350s that have had different size notches(tabs?) in the pump that the notches on the converter snout seats into,fought one for hours before I compared the old and new converters,now I always check that first,along with the bolt circle(converter/flexplate),done that before also,get it together then find out they don't match,that really sucks.

Well first, did you fill up your converter with tranny fluid? Just making sure that you don't do a "dry" startup.

If it indeed has not completely seated.....try this:

Stand the tranny up on it's end, the tailshaft down flat on the ground. Might want to actually put it in a drain pan, so you don't make a mess or get any debris in the tailshaft splines. Then slide the torque converter on. Slooowly turn the converter in circles, feeling for it to engage and drop. Spin it slow. Spin it slow.

You can try this with it dry, just to see if you can get it to go all the way in. Then if you achieve engagement, be sure to pull it back off and fill it up with tranny fluid before that initial startup.

Aftermarket converters can be tight. Good luck!

Converter is filled. As far as the two tabs not fitting, that seems to be the problem and my guess. I dont have my calipers at home, they are at work, so I'll check tomorrow. If the tabs are to narrow on the converter, can I just widen them a tad bit while being VERY carefull about any metal shavings. I also just "assume" the converter matches, because I received them with the car, but not installed. I really want this to work, got a garage full of parts waiting for install and don't want to spend more cash just to keep going. I have it, it's new, I need it to work. If I have to spend money, I REALLY want an overdrive, just not quite yet - money wise.

Thanks for the ideas, I will be trying them.

MJ

Problem solved. I was given and trying a 700r4 torque converter. New correct one being picked up tonight.

Thanks for the help and ideas.

MJ

Glad to hear you got her in.


I was going to drop the hint about standing the trans on it's tailshaft but Justin beat me to it.

I often found with new bushings that I could not get the converter in. When the trans sits flat without the converter to locate the input shaft stuff will sag a little bit due to it's weight. With brand new bushings being so tight, the sag is enough to keep the convertor from engaging home. Standing on end eliminates the sag due to gravity and the input shaft can be gently persuaded by moving the converter around slightly, and it goes right it. Discovered this trick over the course of a 2-3 hour fight with a stubborn converter and trans and used it ever since.

Just to confirm a few things said earlier:

You are correct, if you can fit your fingers the converter is not home yet.

There is indeed 3 "steps" that the converter has to pass, 2 sets of internal splines and the pump drive tangs.
Stick the tranny-on-end-thing in your bag of tricks!

Okay you guys have GREAT advice that I will be using tonight. I might be missing something obvious however, I can't quite see how to balance it standing straight up. I do everything by myself and see a balancing act. I could use my cherry picker to hold it up. I'm a small guy and keep seeing the tail kick out or sliding away while lifting the coverter onto shaft. I could rig up a fixture, but what a hassle. Inside a bucket maybe?

I'm sure things "should" go much smoother now that I'm getting the correct coverter. You're all pointing out great ideas for us 1st timers. Hope other people read and get helpfull hints also.

THANKS,

MJ

I just balance it on the tailshaft, with the top of the "bell-housing" against my thighs. No problem in my experience. You can also lean it against a tire (mounted to the car) or your workbench or whatever, it does not have to be perfectly straight up and down, just have it upright so you can concentrate on lifting the converter up, then you can start the converter and use it to sort of pull the whole trans up against your thighs to make it perfectly straight up and down. Or you may find it goes in ok even on an angle, it all depends how tight things are.

When I do this it doesn't make too much of a mess, I've never done it in a pail or anything. The trans should be empty of fluid if it's just been rebuilt, if not, fluid will come out the tailshaft, maybe dipstick hole, etc when you start standing the trans up. The converter itself won't leak TOO much fluid out, if you are fast enough whatever leaks out can go in the pump opening into the trans, so it at least won't make a mess. Also try not to COMPLETELY empty the convertor before you get it in there...:) although it will charge back up when the engine is started.