Whine after torque converter install

[JohnMark]

1985 Chevy c10. 350 engine with th350c transmission.

I installed a torque converter on my th350c transmission. Install went well and everything bolted up fine. 3/16” gap between tc and flexplate before bolting up and the tc spun freely before bolting up. Filled up trans fluid after install and it was doing fine without noise. I drove it around the block a few times and pulled back in the driveway and this whine has been going on ever since. It happens in neutral/park and in gear. Double checked fluid level and it is good. Where do I go from here?

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[shiftpro]

Ouch! Sounds like flex plate is rubbing. Perhaps forgot to torque down one bolt? Pull the inspection pan off and take a look.

 

[JohnMark]

Ouch! Sounds like flex plate is rubbing. Perhaps forgot to torque down one bolt? Pull the inspection pan off and take a look.

I will for sure check it this afternoon. Sounds more like rubbing than something with my pump? I have no experience with transmissions.

 

[shiftpro]

I will for sure check it this afternoon. Sounds more like rubbing than something with my pump? I have no experience with transmissions.

Ok good luck and get back to us. Also check your starter engagement and if the bolts are tight. Something moved after you drove it, so I suspect something... moved!

 

[TubeTruck]

Sounds like the pump to me. Let's hope it's not! Did you fill up the torque converter before you installed it?

 

[JohnMark]

Sounds like the pump to me. Let's hope it's not! Did you fill up the torque converter before you installed it?

Yes. Around 1qt. Then put around 6 more in before driving.

Sounded like a pump to me too... but like I said, I do not know much about transmissions.

Where do I go from here if my bolts are tight?

 

[shiftpro]

Yes. Around 1qt. Then put around 6 more in before driving.

Sounded like a pump to me too... but like I said, I do not know much about transmissions.

Where do I go from here if my bolts are tight?

Making those tight bolts loose again.

 

[JohnMark]

Making those tight bolts loose again.

As in taking out the trans?

 

[shiftpro]

As in taking out the trans?

Get some more advice first! Second opinions...
You need another ear, hopefully from someone with experience..

 

[78C10BigTen]

Im gunna bet that it surely a rub somewhere!!

 

[JohnMark]

Sooo here’s the update so far... I pulled the inspection cover and the tc bolts were tight. However, I used the wrong drill bit to measure the spacing and it is actually right over 1/4” ... maybe 1/32 or 1/64 over. I believe this is too much of a gap (any input on this?) I’m headed to the store soon to get some washers to make it 1/8”. Any input or ideas on this is appreciated.

 

[78C10BigTen]

So are you saying that you think the converter needs to go in to the pump more or out from it more? Ive never had a converter spacing issue in all the trans ive put in. I put the converter in and keep rotating it till it drops in 3 times then slide it out as far as it needs to meet the flex plate. Dont shoot me!! Maybe im wrong!

 

[JohnMark]

So are you saying that you think the converter needs to go in to the pump more or out from it more? Ive never had a converter spacing issue in all the trans ive put in. I put the converter in and keep rotating it till it drops in 3 times then slide it out as far as it needs to meet the flex plate. Dont shoot me!! Maybe im wrong!

I’m saying it needs to go towards pump more when bolted up. Most places I’ve seen specify 1/16” to 3/16” gap with the standard being 1/8”.

You said earlier that you think it is a rub. Where and how would I check for this? We’re could it possibly be rubbing at?

 

[Frankenchevy]

Sooo here’s the update so far... I pulled the inspection cover and the tc bolts were tight. However, I used the wrong drill bit to measure the spacing and it is actually right over 1/4” ... maybe 1/32 or 1/64 over. I believe this is too much of a gap (any input on this?) I’m headed to the store soon to get some washers to make it 1/8”. Any input or ideas on this is appreciated.

Anything over 3/16” is said to be too far. Washers will take up the gap, but don’t take it all out. Don’t forget, you may need longer flexplate bolts. They may be M10 x 1.5 pitch, iirc. As much as they look like 3/8”. Your tc may be different.

 

[QBuff02]

what kind of torque converter did you install? el cheapo unit? One purchased used off a guy on facebook marketplace? A brand new high performance unit from a reputable vendor? Are you sure you got the right converter? have the right trans? You should only have 3/16"-1/4" gap before seating the converter with the bolts. Any more and you run the risk of running into problems. Just by the sound in the video it does mirror something rubbing rotationally. But it could also be the pump in the trans. If you have to it's not uncommon or out of line to use some washers between to "take up" the gap. With everything loose, re-seat the converter to the trans/pump, measure your gap, adjust accordingly and reinstall the bolts. See what happens.