Installling Engine: Flex Plate to Torque Converter

James Scott · #1 06-25-2013, 02:57 PM

I attempted to install my "new" (Nate partial rebuild low mileage) engine.. I torqued 4 engine bolts.. Tried to align flex plate bolt holes with TC threaded holes for 4 bolts.. Wouldn't move at interface.. Tried to turn engine at crank pulley bolt.. WOULDN'T BUDGE @ 123 ft-lbs!

Nate says the TC wasn't seated, but can't give further explanation on HOW to seat properly??

Anyone able to explain wat I did wrong.. or more importantly.. HOW to remove/replace engine successfully? I don't look forward to the removal/installation a second time, but REALLY don't wanna end up with the frozen engine. Of course, I'm also worried I damaged the AT!

Well.. I just talked to Tom by phone.. so got some idea how to seat.. and about 1/8" of 1/4" TC tabs (where threaded holes ) must protrude out of Bell Housing only.. PLUS, I seem to NOT have the 2 lateral guide posts (??)

Thanks, Jim

Stevebsy · #2 06-27-2013, 10:17 AM

Ooof!
I did the same thing on my first transmission adventure. When I tightened the engine to trans bolts I heard a rather loud boom from within the trans. At the time I just thought it was binding on the guide pins or something.

But no...The TC was sticking out too far and I pushed it in so hard that it broke the pump.

I hope that's not what happened to you. Take the TC out and look down in the trans. It's not easy but I think you can see if you've broken anything.

To seat the TC just push on it with hand pressure and keep turning it around and around. It will eventually drop in to the proper height as Tom described to you, but it takes a while sometimes.

Your engine is fine, but the trans may be damaged

. The TC should be able to be spun around by hand through the little window or from underneath when the engine/trans are bolted up together.

Stevebsy · #3 06-27-2013, 10:18 AM

Oh also, you need to get those guide pins in there. Sometimes they stick in the engine, sometimes the trans, but they are important to have.

James Scott · #4 06-27-2013, 11:51 AM

THANKS!
I checked .. and have only one guide pin! So, engine slightly lopsided.. Hmmm? I got some bolts to make one out of (can't locate anywhere) .. when I remove and install engine again.

Fortunately, I dint hear a clunk.. but still worried/pissed about this situation.
Tom said I may not have damaged the pump (???) .. But, having the engine not be able to turn.. means there was some major innappropriate pressure placed on the TC (AND SHAFT)! Verty likely damaged.. if not broken!

I'm not sure.. why my "mentor" dint warn me of this possible scenario? But he thinks he dint need to.. cuz this is "common sense"! .. ???

Evidently, it's not just ME.. We both don't have any common sense! Hmmm?

Thanks again.. Jim

James Scott · #5 06-27-2013, 01:56 PM

What happened with your AT?
Did you fix it? How much did it cost?
Did you have to replace your AT? How much?

Stevebsy · #6 06-27-2013, 02:26 PM

I made that mistake way back in like 2001 or something, when we were all just young kiddies and this forum had hardly been open very long, so the knowledge base was not nearly what it is now.

And it was a Level Ten transmission I did this to! Thankfully they fixed it for me for just the cost of the parts and shipping. I managed to screw up the second install by not filling the TC with ATF too, and blew out the seal on the TC, but that was easily replaced.

If you didn't hear any boom/pop noises, and you couldn't turn the engine, then you might be lucky in that you didn't break anything, hard to say and I'm not sure how you can check other than visually. You would need to reseat the TC and spin it up to idle speed to see if any oil comes out the cooler lines, which would verify that the pump is working.