Just got my transmission BACK out because the convertor wasn't seated completely the first time I installed it. It's a PTC 3600 stall convertor, and I can only get it to seat far enough for a 3/4" gap between the convertor pads and edge of the bellhousing. The convertor pilot is about 1/8" set back from the bellhousing..

The thing is, I'm 90% sure that the tc is on both sets of splines, and on the front pump tabs, but it's not measuring out right. What could be the problem?

 

If it is indeed ALL the way on it may have been a manufacturing goof. Have you talked to the manufacturer?

 

No, I haven't talked to PTC. Another thing is that when it engages with the pump fingers is that it doesn't slide back very far. I think this may be the issue.. I only moves back maybe 3/16" when it engages with the pump.

 

Check the mating surfaces something may be galled

 

What do you mean?

 

I checked the notches on the converter and the pump tabs and both seem to be fine.

 

How is the shaft on the transmission?

 

That sounds way off, it should move in about 1/2", i.e. the full distance of the pump slots cut into the converter shaft. Lets hope the pump is not damaged and binding it.

Here is what I would do:
1. Mark the engine side of the converter where the pump slot is.
2. Install the converter into the trans aligning it with the pump.
3. Turn the converter until that mark is straight up.
4. Carefully pull out the converter without turning it.
5. With a flashlight look into the pump to confirm that the pump rotor fingers are straight up and down.
This would confirm that you actually had the converter in correctly.

Hopefully someone else has a better idea or solution.

You might also post a side picture of the converter with a ruler next to it; a converter expert could then confirm it has the right dimensions.

 

I just got out a spare pump and rotor for some measurements.

The fingers on the rotor are 3/8" thick; there is also a bit of space underneath them so that by my measurements the converter should slide in just a bit over 1/2" once the pump is engaged.

The fingers are 0.348" wide - the notches in the converter need to be at least that wide.
The hole in the rotor is 1.753" - the shaft of the converter needs to be a bit less than that in outside diameter.

When you fully install the converter, does it turn easily? It should.

I've read (but not tried it myself) that if the trans has enough fluid in it, and you turn the fully installed converter, it will pump fluid out of the side cooler line.

 

You gota keep messing with the converter till it seats.
I had the same problem with mine. Took me like 15mins of messing with it till it finally went all the way in.

 

Thanks for all the info!

I've actually already done this. And that is why I'm almost positive that the converter is on all the way.

And yes the converter turns easily. I can also stick a screwdriver in the pump and turn the fingers easily.

 

Who made the converter? Have you tried any other converters to see if those will engage?

I had a converter a converter from a reputable shop and when I went to install it the converter "snout" would not clear the pump. The converter was incorrect from the factory. I was able to get 3 different converters to engage on my transmission just not the one I bought. Ended up with the company sending me a whole new converter and it went on perfectly

 

I was scared of that being the case, but after standing the transmission on the tail housing and f*cking with it for 15 minutes it finally seated! Thanks for all the info guys.

 

Congratulations !!!