Thread: dumb problem: 302/c4 torque converter issues

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Yup, figured it had to be something simple. I believe there are a couple different flexplates with different spacings to the converter.....Don't remember how to tell which is which, hopefully someone with a better memory will jump in here....

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Yup, figured it had to be something simple. I believe there are a couple different flexplates with different spacings to the converter.....Don't remember how to tell which is which, hopefully someone with a better memory will jump in here....

Pull up the TCI website for more info, but there are several flex plates
10.5 and 11.5 bolt patterns plus 157 and 164 tooth ring gears then the 50 in balance and 28 inch balance to add to the confusion. There is also a 0 balance one, but only for special cases.

My guess is that you didn't have the torque converter fully in place before you started drawing down the nuts - like Dave S. has said.

To install a C4 and probably every other tran, you put the converter in place first by putting it on the male spline and rotating it until it fully clunks in place, then the trans is bolted up to the vehicle.

Another problem area is the smaller inner splined (input) shaft - it is directional as well - the shorter splined end goes into the trans itself - if installed backwards, it can damage the converter .

Originally Posted by Irelands child

Another problem area is the smaller inner splined (input) shaft - it is directional as well - the shorter splined end goes into the trans itself - if installed backwards, it can damage the converter .

can actually also damage the transmission and the engine as well.... i had one do it not too long ago... pushed extra pressure against the crank, which spun some bearings and broke a rod bolt which of course made the rod bend and cause damage to the block... and once the pressure was relieved in the motor the shaft slammed back and damaged the tranny too

Originally Posted by thesals

can actually also damage the transmission and the engine as well.... i had one do it not too long ago... pushed extra pressure against the crank, which spun some bearings and broke a rod bolt which of course made the rod bend and cause damage to the block... and once the pressure was relieved in the motor the shaft slammed back and damaged the tranny too

i never removed the smaller input shaft so i have no doubt it is correct. The torque converter was not seated correctly. It is now. However I have to wait for a new flex plate because this one was a 28 oz, and the motor i am using is an 87, so i need a 50 oz.

Originally Posted by Create

i never removed the smaller input shaft so i have no doubt it is correct. .

Suggest you check it anyhow - JIC !! It was put together by humans.

Usually if you can't get your fingers between the converter and the back of the bellhousing your fully seated..... Butttttttttt the most overlooked problem with a C-4 is the converter has a drain plug that has to be lined up with a hole in the flexplate,if not it will jamb it up as you desribe.