Noob Ques. re: removing engine 95 legacy 2.2/auto - The flex plate & torque conv.

[FleaDog]

Hi all pardon the question Ive read a bunch of threads and watched some videos but still not sure about this.

 

Picked up a 95 legacy wagon 2.2 with auto trans, motor appears to have all the usual oil leaks so I am going to remove it and fix them.

 

Does the 'seating the torque convertor' issue apply if I remove/reinstall the motor via unbolting the Torque conv. from the flex plate? Or maybe I am confused and that pertains to removal of the torque conv. from the trans instead.

 

thanks

[davebugs]

Often when you undo the 4 TC to flexplate bolts the TC still likes to pull out a bit.

 

Then the reseating becomes an issue.

[FleaDog]

Often when you undo the 4 TC to flexplate bolts the TC still likes to pull out a bit.

 

Then the reseating becomes an issue.

 

cool, thanks. is this very likely to happen? or is there anyhting to do that can prevent it?

 

thanks

[jarl]

From what I have read here, the problem has to do with corrosion "welding" the tip of the torque converter shaft to the hole where it goes (end of the crankshaft).

 

On my car it wasn't an issue, but the engine had been pulled 50K miles ago or so. If in doubt, you may try to break the two parts loose (after removing the 4 bolts to the flex plate). If you can turn the engine without turning the TC you should be OK.

[davebugs]

In my experience pretty common.

 

In addition to being rusted, corroded/whatever if the trans to engine angle is off that can cause this. And what starts out as a "good angle" often changes when the weight of the engine is removed from the chassis if the car is setting on it's tires.

[FleaDog]

Cool, thanks for the replies again. So if the TC does pull out a little, no biggie, I follow the instructions on seating it when the motor is out. Next question - after reseating it, can it come out again or should it stay put? thx

[davebugs]

Usually stays put. Unless you repositon the engine and there is tension as stated in one of my other posts due to tranny/engine not at same angle.

[SoobrDad02]

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY, YOU ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY MUST MAKE SURE THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS SEATED!!!! I've got a first generation Legacy wagon holding down the driveway currently because I have yet to locate a transmission with decent mileage to replace the one that was destroyed when I didn't ensure that my torque converter was re-seated before final install.

[markjw]

I think it was grossgary who said that after the engine and tranny are finally mated together, installing and tightening the four TC bolts will "pull' the TC forward into position behind the flexplate (about 1/4 inch gap there). That's when you know your TC was seated properly, before you ever start the engine. I followed that advice and it went well.

[Fairtax4me]

After you get the torque converter to flexplate bolts out, get a big screw driver or prybar, jam it between the torque converter and flexplate, and pry the converter away from the flexplate. It should slide back 1/4". As you are separating the engine and trans check the converter repeatedly to ensure it does not slide forward.