Torque converter Install, help needed

[R.O.B.]

I'm converting my 4spd to a 700r4. I've been trying to get my new torque converter to go into the transmission and it's just not going all the way in.

Everything I've read says 3 audible clicks. I can make out just 1. And when I measure the distance from the mounting bolt holes on the converter to the bell housing, I'm at a half inch. I need to be 1-1/8. So I'm way off.

I'm pretty sure I measured both the tranny and the torque converter at 27 splines, so what else can I do. I've been spinning and spinning the converter, both clockwise and counterclockwise and it won't go in any further. I've also got it sitting on the taleshaft upright as an idea I read up on and no difference.

[Accelo]

See if you can confirm the diameter of the hole in the converter match the OD of the spline of the input shaft. It's possible to get the wrong converter.

However, I am guessing you are getting the input shaft engaged. That would leave the pump stator that isn't engaging. The part on the transmission pump input that is stationary. Sometimes they will get a small ding in them. Look it over closely. If you have some magnification it is even better. You might be surprised how little of a defect it takes to hold this up.

That last part to engage is the pump drive tangs. It only goes in when the pump tangs line up with the notches on the end of the converter snout. They are 180 deg apart. Doesn't appear you are getting that far from your description.

Once in a while the pump bushing was incorrectly installed and it will hang on the bushing. Inspect with a flashlight, sometimes you can tell. This is the least likely issue.

Typically when the converter is all the way in you will not be able to get your finger between the converter and the pump. Of course the newer 4L60E can't be measured this way.
Cheers.

[R.O.B.]

If you are referring to the 2 tangs that are grooved on the converter, it feels like that's the only part that goes in. Hence why it's only about a half inch. I think I got something wrong with the converter, like I see the o-ring at the end of the shaft on the transmission, but when I look onto the converter, it looks like an open hole with some gear teeth on the sides. Like I don't see what that o-ring would attach to. Anyone got a good picture of the inside of a torque converter?

[kwmech]

Can you get your fingers between the back of the converter and the transmission case. Sometimes you cannot feel all 3

[R.O.B.]

There's a gap. Not quite enough for my fingers, but it should go another 1/2 inch

[Accelo]

The tangs, flats in the case of a 4L60, engage last.
The way to confirm is mark the location of the flats on the case.
Get the converter in as far as possible when rotating it.
Then pull the converter and see if the flats on the pump have moved.

It is very difficult to see where the "O" ring seals as it is in the very back of the converter.

Did you inspect the splines?

[kwmech]

Using the center of the converter,,,hold it up slightly to take the weight off of it and keep spinning the converter until it jumps back

[R.O.B.]

I've tried doing it, I'll keep trying I guess. And yes, I counted 27 on both the trans and converter.

[72c20customcamper]

When I had my 350 rebuilt the converter wouldn’t go in all the way . I was doing the install with the new converter the rebuilder gave me . I ended up bringing it back to him and he couldn’t get it in either . He took the pump out replaced it with another new one and it slid right in .

[Accelo]

I would suggest bringing it to your local transmission shop. Sometimes experience is required. I have installed hundreds of them and sometimes they are a PITA.
Maybe they will consider it a challenge?

[R.O.B.]

Please look at the inside of my torque converter, is this right? I don't see how the shaft would seal in there. Nothing to seal to. Also the measurement of the shaft. Around 5.8 inchs, as far as it would go down. I'm thinking that's a problem, because it feels like the torque converter is hitting bottom.

[kwmech]

You may have a convertor for a turbo 350. It doesn't look right. Also when you get the correct part, put a little lube ( I use vaseline) on the o ring

[R.O.B.]

Ok, thanks. I just knew something was wrong. Thanks for the advice. I'd rather buy a converter than another trans.

[Accelo]

Post #2;
See if you can confirm the diameter of the hole in the converter match the OD of the spline of the input shaft. It's possible to get the wrong converter.

Any numbers on the converter? Not a very good look at the tangs but what I can see looks like a used snout as the edges of the slot maybe worn. The back of the converters with clutches in them are flatter than the non-lockup ones. The Blue one is for a 700R4/4L60. The gold one for a none lock up 350.
A picture of the back of the converter and one of the snout may help resolve your issue.
Remember the late model THM 350 also required locking converters.

[Ironangel]

You need a "lock up" converter...

[R.O.B.]

Yup, I had the wrong converter. I bought a new one, and it definitely looks different on the inside, and I put it on. Couldn't quite tell the clicks, but it now measures .990 and it doesn't want to come back out.

[Accelo]

The "O" ring is likely holding it.
Sounds like it's solved.
Let us know how it works.
Are you going to connect the electrics for the lock-up part of the converter?

[R.O.B.]

I'm doing the one wire lockup with the pressure switch