TECH CORNER: Converter Spacing
On of the most common
transmission failures is caused
from improper converter spacing.
More and more cars are
equipped with mid plates. If you
add a mid plate, the converter
pilot and converter mounting
pads must be extended to match
the thickness o f the mid plate.
Some converters have pllots and
mounting pads welded and
some are module and can be
changed to accept any mid plate.
On any converter Installation
you need 2 things. The correct
pilot to crankshaft depth and
correct converter to flywheel
spacing. You need 1/8" to 3/16"
air gap, before moving the
converter against the flywheel to
tighten converter bolts. I like
1/8' on 2 speeds and 3/16" on 3
speeds.
(STEP 1) Use a drill bit as a
gaging block. A 1/8" drill bit is
1/8" thick. After choosing a driII
bit 1/8" to 3/16" with the
converter installed all the way
in to the transmission and the
transmission bolted to the
engine. Check your air gap with
the drill bit between the converter
pads and the flywheel.
(STEP 2) If the air gap is
greater than the 1/8" to 3/16"
you have to add shims to take
up the extra clearance.
(STEP 3) Now remove the bit.
There will be an air gap l/8" to
3\ 16" now slip the converter
forward the air gap amount.
When the converter is in place
you also need at least 1/8" of the
converter pilot into the crankshaft
pilot hole, if not you have to remove
the converter and extend the pilot.
