Torque Converter Questions

[RGS]

Hey Guys,

I recently purchased an 86 C10 2wd with a TH350C trans. I've driven it very little so far and it recently began not going in to gear when I start it up. If I rev it up for a minute or so then it will work fine but now it is making alot of noise from the converter. I bought a new converter, oring and seal for it but when I went to pull the trans today, I unbolted the torque converter and was able to push it back about 3/8" from the flywheel. I've read where it should only have about 1/8" gap and that some people use washers to correct this. Is this o.k.? Also the other thing that I am worried about is the snout (?) on the front of the converter. It does not fit snug in the crankshaft. Is it supposed to fit tight or will the bolts align it properly? Is there a bushing or something that goes in the crankshaft?

The truck has a replacement 350 (was a 305) that the PO installed so I don't know if that has something to do with it. It is supposed to be a year correct replacement however I noticed that the flywheel has a counterweight attached to it. It says 5.7L on the block in the bellhousing area but I can't see the casting numbers on the passenger side.

Sorry for all the questions but this is my only transportation and I need to get it back together right.

Thanks for your help.

Glenn