1955 engine locks up after transmission rebuild

[amprofleet]

Has anyone ran into this. I have a 1955 thunderbird with a v8 auto trans. doing a restore on it- sent trans out to be freshened up and now when putting trans on engine --locks engine up.

sent trans back to tranny shop to have checked out again and they say it is all correct. when engine and trans gets about 1/8 " away --they lock together.

tried several different ways of putting together . still same results. any help would be appreciated.


Stu

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[doug7740]

Before you install the transmission to the engine does the torque converter rotate freely in the converter housing? If it does, that tells me that when the converter pilot goes into the crankshaft there is binding on the dowel pins. When the engine and transmission are bolted together the torque converter should rotate freely allowing you to align the flywheel drive plate holes with the converter.

If before you install the transmission to the engine the torque converter does not rotate freely, that tells me that the problem is either the torque converter or transmission front pump.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[amprofleet]

engine rotates free until it get about 1/8 away
Torque converter also rotates until that 1/8 away

It’s like the torque converter needs to go back into the transmission farther but it wont
I even tried to bolt torque converter to engine
Bolt the bellhousing up and then slide trans on to torque converter
Same thing. Locks up

Without bellhousing I slide torque converter onto frt of trans and it looks like it should go on farther but it wont
Is it possible it could be the wrong pump
( trans shop did replace it)
They also took apart the torque converter
Could they have done something wrong there ?
I figure since it locks up at 1/8” my clearance is probably off more like a 1/4”
Because there should be some clearance to spin and bolt torque converter

Also something else

The tangs on the torque converter are like what 1 “ wide

I took the front seal off the trans and the notches on the pump are like double that width. Is that right?

I’m used to newer trans where you have to really work the torque converter to get it seated in place

Something is just not right

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

Stu

 

[doug7740]

Stu,

From what you are telling me it seems like the torque converter isn't going back far enough in the bell housing. Did you mention your concerns to the transmission shop that overhauled the transmission. Look how far the torque converter sets back in the bell housing on my 1955 Thunderbird.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[Dale bird]

Check the torque convertor stator it should have a smooth round guide before the stator splines if not they put the stator in backwards