torque converter draining
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 255
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From: Spokane
torque converter draining
Can someone tell me the logic behind draining a torque converter. The pump in the tranny is powered by the engine so if the torque converter is empty then the coupling between the engine and pump is broken. So, if you drain the torque converter how does the pump refill it since it has no coupling? I hear many people draining the torque converter with the drain plug. Do I need to pump some back into it afterwards?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 759
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From: North Dakota
The torque converter has 2 couplings to the transmission - the inside and outside.
The outside is connected to the shell of the converter and turns whenever the engine is running- this runs the pump.
The inside goes to the clutches/bands/planetaries and moves the vehicle via the fluid coupling.
The outside is connected to the shell of the converter and turns whenever the engine is running- this runs the pump.
The inside goes to the clutches/bands/planetaries and moves the vehicle via the fluid coupling.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: Petersburg, MI
Draining the TC along with dropping the pan is the only way to get a complete fluid change (other than having it flushed and that's expensive). You just have to make sure when you start it back up you don't try to fill it completely from the start. Start by adding a few qts then crank it over with coil wire removed so it doesn't start. Stop and check fluid level, should be low off the dipstick, add a few more qts and repeat as necessary until the required amount is in(or close to it) then start it and let it warm up and recheck, top off as needed. If you don't do it this way and just start it up and keep adding fluid as needed you will be running the trans with no fluid for a considerable amount of time and will probably cause damage.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Spokane
Oh, now I get it, there are two rotating connections to the tranny from the torque converter. One is the splined connection and the other is the notched connection on the torque converter housing. Thank you for clearing that up.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Originally posted by RLKBOB
Draining the TC along with dropping the pan is the only way to get a complete fluid change (other than having it flushed and that's expensive).
Draining the TC along with dropping the pan is the only way to get a complete fluid change (other than having it flushed and that's expensive).
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 255
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From: Spokane
I wonder if running the torque converter without oil even for a few seconds could do damage to the unit. It makes me wonder why Ford no longer installs drain plugs.
Another thing I wonder about is flushing the tranny or sucking the fluid out with a hose. Pushing a tube into the tranny pan could upset the magnet and all of its attached metal grit.
Another thing I wonder about is flushing the tranny or sucking the fluid out with a hose. Pushing a tube into the tranny pan could upset the magnet and all of its attached metal grit.
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