th400 converter help

COPO 70 RS/Z28 · #1 08-09-2008, 06:21 AM

I had the trans out of the car. I have never had an auto car apart before and didnt notice when I took it apart. It seems like a stupid question but..... I have reseated the trans housing to the motor and there is about 1/4" clearance between the converter and the flex plate (flywheel). In other words the converter can move 1/4" forward and backward after the trans and motor are bolted together.

Is this ok or is there something wrong?????

Thanks

**Mr. Chevy** · #2 08-09-2008, 06:57 AM

I would double check to make sure that you have the torque converter seated all the way onto the trans shaft. Keep spinning it clockwise and you will hear it and feel it click into place. I think it seats/clicks into place about 3 times or so if I remember correctly as you keep spinning it.

I'm pretty sure that everything should be snug when it's bolted together, maybe with a tiny bit of play.. It's been a while since I had mine apart. Also put some threadlocker on the flywheel bolts that bolt onto the crank... Hope this helps..

Rich

COPO 70 RS/Z28 · #3 08-09-2008, 07:02 AM

I got the converter seated (the two large tabs lined up, the play is present before the converter is bolted to the flexplate. when its bolted to the flexplate its very snug.

the movement when unbolted is from the front to the rear as it slides on the trans shaft splines.

**John Brown** · #4 08-09-2008, 07:04 AM

The time to worry is when you don't have that movement. When you don't have any movement, the converter is jamming into the pump drive tangs and will eat the front pump. Yours sounds good.

**Mr. Chevy** · #5 08-09-2008, 07:07 AM

Sounds like it might be ok then.. But you might want to get a second opinion.. I think it's normal for the converter to move slightly like that before it's bolted up.. The big thing is making sure that converter is seated all the way on the tranny shaft...

Rich

COPO 70 RS/Z28 · #6 08-09-2008, 07:08 AM

Yup I was warned about making sure the tabs were seated, I guess seeing some movement seemed odd to me.

Thanks for the help guys!!! Now its back to the garage and more bolts.

**Mr. Chevy** · #7 08-09-2008, 07:11 AM

Hey, no problem man.. Thats what is great about this site.. Lots of guys on here that are always willing to help one another out when little problems like this arise..

Good luck Carl...

Rich

COPO 70 RS/Z28 · #8 08-09-2008, 07:15 AM

Got to get it back together for the race!

**Hotrodpaul** · #9 08-09-2008, 07:53 AM

You should have about 1/16" to 1/8" clearance between the flexplate and converter. Any more clearance than that may cause damage to the drive tangs because of insufficient engagement into the front pump.

Paul

COPO 70 RS/Z28 · #10 08-09-2008, 08:17 AM

if the clearance was excessive how would you correct it???

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