[boltbuster]

How far should the converter slide back from the flexplate after the connecting bolts are removed? I'm reinstalling the TH-400 in my 67 GTO, and I'm finding it a tight fit. TIA.

[David Jones]

Something like 1/4 to 3/16" if I remember correctly

[Jeff Walker]

You MUST be able to rotate the converter freely without it touching the flex plate when the transmission is up against the back of the block. The distance David Jones gave you is about right. Sounds like you might not have the converter in all the way.

[70 vert]

I just ran into the same problem. I had to loosen the engine-to-trans bolts and slide the trans back a little. Then I disconnected the torque converter from the flex plate. Then I pushed the converter back into the trans all the way. Prior to this my torque converter was not in all the way and it was flexing the flex plate, not allowing the starter to be installed properly. My next question was going to be, should there be a space between the converter and the flex plate when the trans is re attached to the engine? Sound like I did it right though, I have a small space. When I attach the converter, it is going to move forward a little, right?

[Jeff Walker]

Originally Posted by 70 vert

I just ran into the same problem. I had to loosen the engine-to-trans bolts and slide the trans back a little. Then I disconnected the torque converter from the flex plate. Then I pushed the converter back into the trans all the way. Prior to this my torque converter was not in all the way and it was flexing the flex plate, not allowing the starter to be installed properly. My next question was going to be, should there be a space between the converter and the flex plate when the trans is re attached to the engine? Sound like I did it right though, I have a small space. When I attach the converter, it is going to move forward a little, right?

Yes there should be some space between the converter and the flex plate. Just cross your fingers that all you did was 'flex' the flex plate if the converter wasn't in all the way the first time. You can damage the front pump this way. Guess you will find out when you fire it up and see if it moves or not.

[Thumpin455_GTO]

Yep, you should have to push it forward to contact the flexplate. If the trans is bolted to the engine and you can turn the converter by itself, its good. Make sure you have all the bolts in the converter before you tighten it, if you tighten the first one, the other two will be tough to get threaded.. just a reminder..

If it isnt all the way in, you will most likely break the fron pump if you just tighten it down.

[Fullhouse]

You put some fluid in the converter right? Just a friendly reminder

[Skip Fix]

I had a tranny the front pump was not assembled correctly that prevented it from sliding back completely. Theconvertor did in another tranny .

[Mean Ass 455]

I rebuid front pumps and clutch drums all day at work if the converter isn't in all the way you'll either break the lugs off the inner pump gear by binding it between the outer gear and the cresent in the pump body or while bound up the outer gear will explode causing metal to go through the tranny $$$$

[Old Man Taylor]

"How far should the converter slide back from the flexplate after the connecting bolts are removed?"

0.060-0.150", preferrably around 0.100-0.125".

[boltbuster]

Thanks for all of the help and info, guys. I have another, related question. Should I be able to rotate the converter 360 degrees with the trans in neutral? I'm trying to determine whether or not I did some pump damage to the unit during a bad first try. It's now sitting on the floor waiting for a second try, and I don't want to install a damaged trans...wouldn't that be a shot in the shorts! I can rotate the converter freely for about 15-20 degrees...in either direction... in all of the linkage positions. I don't feel or hear any grinding or binding. What do you think?
Thanks again for your input.

Kerm

P.S.--Does anyone have a spare shift-cable bracket for a 67 GTO for a Hurst setup, or know where I can get one? It's the one that bolts to the trans pan. It's not available through PY or Ames anymore.

[Jeff Walker]

Yes you should be able to rotate the torque converter 360 degrees, either direction, regardless of what gear you have the transmission in. So your are saying that right now you cannot do this? If so, it sounds like you hurt the pump on your first try.

[boltbuster]

You've got it right, Jeff. I was afraid of that. I hope that it's just a pump replacement, not the exploded gear that Mean Ass talked about. It's the original trans for a matching-numbers goat. Would hate to give it up. Thanks for the feedback.