Torque converter failure mode?

This is a valid point.

 

Is there someone near you who can take the converter apart for inspection?

 

Ugh it's a used unknown make aftermarket unit that came w the core transmission. Definitely not worth paying anyone to inspect.

 

Inspection is free to little cost. Modifying and rewelding, balance is where the money comes in.

 

How about grabbing a used stock converter and dropping it in just to see if you have forward or reverse? A wrecking yard could probably hook you up cheap

 

I have had a few converter failures in 1.5 million miles. One was to
just start slipping, as out of gear. Had one fail in service, another
was a rebuilt that probably was not properly rebuilt. I am quit sure
the turbine inside has broken loose from the trans input shaft, not
at the splines, but on the mount. Trans (I had recently rebuilt) was
fine, just put on another converter. Bruce Roe

 

It's possible.. I have had an instance in which the rivets that hold the splined hub onto the turbine sheared off. The result is exactly what your experiencing.

Send the converter to a rebuilder, and have them cut it open and inspect it.

JW

 

If there was an internal mechanical failure there would definitely be piles of evidence in the pan. I’m with you on the converter theory

 

This is interesting. I had not considered this type of failure. Thank you.

 

Although different car and application..... I had a converter fail at 80 mph in the desert in NM at 11:30 at night going to the Ford vs Buick event in OK years ago. Cruise control on in the tracer scooting along and it went in to neutral, or so it seemed. Coasted 1/2 mile to an exit and into a Dairy Queen and parked. No forward or reverse. Bought my truck the next day and towed it home. On a chance of simplicity I put in a used converter from a friend
Drove the car another 105,000 miles until the transmission failed for good.
Maybe it's that easy with your situation..

 

It may not be worth it to repair, but it will confirm what the failure was. If you don't care about the converter just cut it open with a cut off wheel.

 

Put it in your lathe. Everyone has one right

 

This is encouraging. I hope its that easy. Then again since Ive already torn the trans down inspected and reassembled it I guess its not that easy. Lets say I hope that a new converter is the solution.

 

I agree, use a stock used converter to test before buying a new one.

 

New converter installed, topped off the fluid. Motion achieved. The 73 is back!

All is well that ends well. I actually feel better having confirmed that my initial build of the transmission was good.

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

Looks like it was similar to the Tracer.
Good job glad its rolling again

 

Damn it, the curious part of me wants to know the converter failure mode.

Glad all's good! Or, will be.

Devon

 

Good deal. Grab a few cut off wheels and slice the old converter open.. i would be thrilled to see the failure.

 

Me too

Yes, PLEASE cut it open and post pics, we wanna see

 

Cutting a torque converter open with cut-off wheels seems like an expensive and stinky time-killer.

I'm curious too, but not to the extent of that. I'm spoiled, had access to a trans shop that also did converter rebuilding. Dedicated lathe and welder after clearances were set.

Devon