1) PREPARE THE CRANKSHAFT
AND CONVERTER FOR INSTALLATION a) always check crankshaft for burrs and out of
round b) remove rust with emery and lightly grease pocket c) remove paint from
converter crank pilot with emery d) pour one quart of ATF into the converter e)
check the flex plate for cracks and worn teeth f) install the converter on front
of the transmission
2) CHECK CONVERTER TO FLEX PLATE ALIGNMENT a) after bell housing bolts
are tight, then check free movement of converter. It should have 1/16 to 1/8" of
clearance between pads on converter and flex plate. If you have more than 1/16
to 1/8", install equal thickness washers to reduce clearance to 1/16 to 1/8". If
not enough clearance, remove transmission and check to see if converter is
seated in front pump properly. b) draw converter bolts up evenly so as not to
pull converter into a bind causing vibration and pump bushing failure. c) if
vibration occurs after installation, mark converter to flex plate and rotate the
converter one bolt hole at a time.
3) The number 1 cause of vibration is failure to prepare the crankshaft
for installation. Each time the converter is installed without sanding out the
crankshaft rust, removing the paint from converter pilot and adding a little
grease the converter may be drawn up crooked with the first bolt, causing the
converter to run-out and usually ruining the pump bushing. The 2nd most common
complaint on converters is a whine after installation. This usually means too
much clearance between converter pads and flex plate. This draws the converter
hub too far out of the pump drive gear causing the gear to rock