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So... negligent me failed to recognize that my torque converter had come unseated from the pump when I pulled my engine over Christmas break. Anyone, who has knowledge of what happens when a torque converter doesn't get seated properly, is probably cringing right now. Rightfully so. A picture of the torque converter spindle-thinger that had a good-ol time with the pump gears is somewhere below.
My questions are...
1) Do I need a new torque converter? Or can I just try to clean up the surface of this one and hope it grabs?
2)
a) Is it possible that I rebuild my pump? and if so, does anyone recommended it. I have it out, but haven't taken it apart to see the damage yet.
b) Is there a "better" pump out there that anyone sells?
c) Is there a reputable rebuilder of pumps so that I don't have to front the $600 for a new factory one?
The torque converter hub is toast. The bluing of the metal shows it has softened. I wouldn't trust it. A TC shop could replace the hub. But, I don't know if it's a cost effective option.
I haven't seen the damage that it can do to the pump. But with that much force against it, the housing is probably chewed up also. I'd go ahead and disassemble the pump. You might be lucky. If the gears didn't wear into the housing, you may get by with a clean up, new gears, bushing, and seal. Not a hard thing to do. You just need to be careful with realigning the two pump housing halves upon assembly.