torque convert problems
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
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From: Charlotte, NC
torque converter problems I just installed a Vig 2800 today and, although the car feels great, it sounds like the converter is falling apart. I did not loc-tite the converter bolts and will be checking to make sure they're still nice and tight tomorrow and probably add some loc-tite to keep them that way. The noise is coming from the converter and sounds alot like you're shaking a metal bucket with bolts in it. The more load you put on it, the more noise it makes. You can't hear it once the converter locks up though. It's also extremely loud in reverse. The transmission pan was clean inside and I'm confident the converter is seated correctly. We didn't touch the flexplate at all so it should be nice and tight still. It's parked until I can go back over everything. Any one else had a similar issue or any ideas of what it could be? I reused the original converter bolts. Could that be the problem.
As for the converter's background...it's a used converter, but was sent back to PI to be refreshed and fixed as needed. I have the documentation saying this was done. The converter was sent back because it's previous transmission gave out and the return was precautionary.
Any help is appreciated.
As for the converter's background...it's a used converter, but was sent back to PI to be refreshed and fixed as needed. I have the documentation saying this was done. The converter was sent back because it's previous transmission gave out and the return was precautionary.
Any help is appreciated.
Last edited by riceistrife; Nov 2, 2003 at 02:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
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From: Charlotte, NC
Here's an update in case anyone comes across this problem. It looks like using the stock bolts is the problem. They are either too long and didn't tighten the converter as tight as it should have been or not using loc-tite allowed them to back out...either way, the converter was loose enough to "move around" and actually broke one of the bolts off during the one hard run I gave it. I believe the head of that bolt moving around is the big noise I was hearing. The biggest problem now is we can't find the bolt head so the tranny comes out this week to get it out and pull the end of the bolt out of the converter. Hopefully, after a little work and new bolts, it will be ok. I bought a slightly shorter bolt this time.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 42
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From: Charlotte, NC
chevyz28...I spoke to PI today and they said new bolts should be sent with the converter new. Unfortunately I dind't get new bolts since mine had been "rebuilt and refreshed" by PI. They said I should use 10x12x1.5 bolts and are sending me a set. Jack (I believe that was his name) in the Tech Department was very nice and helpful. I've called them a few times and they've always been great.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 521
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From: Farmingdale NJ
That's exactly what I was thinking after your first post. Rattling sounds like that usually indicate a cracked flexplate or loose converter. Definately don't drive the car until the new bolts are in either. At worst, a bolt will fall out, bounce around, and break something. At best, you'll egg the holes in the flexplate and destroy it. It's also not good for the pump or converter seal and bushing, or input shaft bushings.
At least the TC bolts are very easy to change. Drop the starter and use a few long extentions, then come in between the motor and K-member
At least the TC bolts are very easy to change. Drop the starter and use a few long extentions, then come in between the motor and K-member
