So i have never dealt with an auto trans before and this torque converter is like a foreign language to me. 3 things.

1 i am guessing i just fill this thing back up with auto trans fluid when i put it back in, but is there an better way to do that then just pour it down the shaft?

2. there are only 4 bolts holding this thing onto the flex plate. IS THAT SERIOUSLY the only thing connecting this part of the drive train together? seems liek it would snap right off.

3. how the heck do I know what side the weight needs to be when bolting on this flex plate? i figure that 28oz needs to be in a specific spot to work right

I know these may be stupid questions to some, but its new to me. ill be in my office if anyone needs me.

 

There is really not a lot of stress on the bolts because there is little to no resistance at that point in the transmission. As far as the fluid, Ive only ever done it that way. The flex plate will only fit one way, the weight will be in proper alignment when you get it mounted.

 

What he said, but to expand on it a little further...

The mounting holes in the flex plate and on the crank shaft may look like they are an even pattern, but they're not. The holes will only all line up correctly one way. By the way, manual trans flywheels are the same way.

And on the 4 bolts, there are only 6 holding the flexplate to the crankshaft, and they are really close together. The 4 holding the torque converter to the flexplatye are a lot further out. Since torque = force times radius, moving the bolts from about a 1" radius to about a 6" radius (my guess as I sit at my desk) reduces the force to 1/6. So heck, you could get away with only one bolt out there!

 

Torque converter gets filled with fluid by the pump in the transmission, so I wouldn't worry bout filling it manually.

As for it being like a foreign language, it's easier to understand when you know what it does. The TC, for the most part, is simply a fluid coupling (more on that later) which allows the engine to idle while the transmission ain't turning (think of being stopped with your foot on the brake while the engine idles). Inside, there's a turbine, stator, and impeller. I may be wrong on some of those terms but there are 3 basic parts there. The engine is ALWAYS turning the impeller. Fluid is directed towards the turbine by the stator, and when it reaches the turbine (which is connected to the transmission input shaft) it acts on it causing it to rotate. If you're stopped, then the turbine can't rotate... the fluid allows slippage and that's why the engine can idle even with the trans in gear and brakes applied.

When you release the brake pedal, the wheels (and therefore transmission) are free to turn, and since the impeller is turning with the engine, it'll begin to rotate the turbine... thats why a vehicle with auto trans will creep in gear. The way that the vanes are set up on the various components (impeller, stator, turbine) also allows the TC to multiply engine torque.

That's basically all there is to it, just one fan blowing on another, except with oil instead of air.

Now I did say MOST of the time, the TC acts as a fluid coupling as I described, with an exception. Most any auto trans with an overdrive will also have what's known as a torque converter clutch. It's an actual clutch inside the torque converter that mechanically locks the impeller and turbine together, so that no slippage can take place, which helps increase gas mileage. On your trans, the converter clutch is hydraulically applied, controlled by the computer, and is only applied under light throttle in 3rd and 4th gears.