help with incorrect converter installation (4l60e)

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Jan 19, 2009 | 12:25 PM

theantirotor

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help with incorrect converter installation (4l60e)

Well, I was stupid. I bolted the converter to the flex plate, then bolted the trans to the block. So I have obviously done damage.

Stock 4L60E, stock flex plate, stock converter.

I don't know if it matters, but the engine has not been turned over since the incorrect trans/converter installation.

This is a 1999 4L60E that has about 40k on it and is all stock. I bought it not connected to the engine to swap into a car. I didn't know any better about how to correctly instal the trans and converter so now I probably have a broken pump.

What else is it likely I have broken? I can't believe I did something so stupid to a good trans....

Jan 19, 2009 | 12:37 PM

Bret@EFIAlchemy

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Possible to have damaged the convertor as well, check pump and the input shaft whenever you pull it out again. Drain the convertor and look inside for what you can, to see if the splines are damaged.

Jan 21, 2009 | 09:49 AM

AutomagicLS1

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Just curious but where/who/how gave you the idea to bolt the converter to the flywheel before installing the trans?

Jan 21, 2009 | 10:30 AM

performabuilt

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Yes you will need to have the converter and pump inspected, And AUTOMAGICLS1 it actually happens more than you can imagine it would

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Jan 21, 2009 | 10:11 PM

ilovemywhitepony

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So even if he didnt try to turn the engine over its still likely he broke something?

Jan 21, 2009 | 10:15 PM

IronOutlaw

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Im glad I saw this, that was how i was planning on installing my trans, I just dont like the idea of trying to bolt up the converter through that little peep hole in the bellhousing but I guess thats the only way to do it.

Jan 21, 2009 | 10:36 PM

01ssreda4

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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005

^^^the peep hole is not that bad at all.

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Jan 22, 2009 | 02:39 AM

performabuilt

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From: BLOOMSBURG PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakeshoe

Take the starter off to get to the converter bolts...

Lots better than this:

Agreed and i have seen it many times

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Jan 23, 2009 | 12:23 PM

#10

theantirotor

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AutomagicLS1

Just curious but where/who/how gave you the idea to bolt the converter to the flywheel before installing the trans?

i had never done it before and just thought hmm... this is how you do it with a clutch. why not with a torque converter too?

i have no one to blame for this other than my stupid self.

Feb 21, 2009 | 04:24 PM

#11

theantirotor

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getting back with this... (i havent worked on the car much at all lately)

today i pulled the starter and got in there and took out the converter bolts. when i pushed on the converter it pushed back maybe 1/8th inch into the trans. it pushed back easily. i was told that is to be expected?

also, i was told when the converter is unbolted it should spin freely. should it be able to spin freely all the way around? i can spin the converter maybe 1/8th of a turn pretty freely but it will not spin all the way around. obviously you cant get much of a hand on it though the access holes but there is certainly no way the converter will turn all the way around by hand.

is this a bad sign?

Feb 21, 2009 | 04:44 PM

#12

098z28

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From: fruitport mi

yeah it should spin all the way around!!! did u actually get the trans bolted up tight to the block?? when installing a converter u actually put it on the trans a little bit and then spin it while pushing and it will go on farther and farther like 2 or 3 steps i think

Feb 25, 2009 | 06:59 PM

#13

theantirotor

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yep, pulled it tonight. 1 of the pump ears broke. no damage to the shaft/converter splines.

Jan 2, 2022 | 03:45 AM

#14

ChrisTheCarGuy

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Trans pump

Is there a way to rebuild the pump with good gears or do you have to just buy another pump?? I think mine may have broke by it not being seated properly. Going to pull tomorrow and check.