how to replace a torque converter on my chevy caprice 1994?

Question

I was told that the converter was messed up and I want to replaced it myself because the mechanics want to change the whole transmission and the person that gave me the car said I only needed to replace the torque.

Answer 1

You're likely to go through two or three motors before the torque convertor fails. If it was defective there would be much wailing an gnashing of teeth (noise) when the car is running. When they rebuild one the basically just replace the bearing in the torque convertor. It is a welded shut sealed unit and the bearing is the only thing that is replaced when they do a swap and drop tranny swap and turn the other in for a core rebuild.

So, this leaves us with the option of a swap and drop which is best since they always swap the torque convertor when they swap the tranny.

Check out AutoZone or Advance Auto. They sell complete rebuilds and the torque convertor is held in place with a steel strap.

It is not an easy job for anyone and the car really needs to be on a lift since you can't slide it out from under the car when you drop it unless the car is about two feet off the ground.

The tranny has to have a jack or lift under it, the lines have to be disconnected and the driveshaft and the fluid drained, and then you have to remove the bolts that connect the torque convertor to the flexplate behind the engine.

Most amateurs will destroy the tranny fluid pump when trying to install the new torque convertor as there are two very distinct movements when sldiing the torque convertor back on the splined shaft. The first movement is easy and obvious. The second movement is like picking a lock and you rotate and lift and push the torque convertor toward the transmission and then it will find the sweet spot and slide on fully. You also have to pour new fluid into the torque convertor before you slide it back on the splined shaft on the tranny.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

This is a big job. The entire transmission has to be removed to replace the torque converter. You will need a special rig to support the weight of the engine while you remove the transmission. Plus, you will need a transmission jack in order to maneuver it back into place. You cannot just hoist that baby back into place.

Rick

I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. Visit my blog for cool articles and TSB's: http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogspot.com

Answer 3

You usually replace both at the same time.... but you could just change the torque converter if you want. You will need to remove the drive shaft, then drop the transmission.... the torque converter is bolted to the flywheel on the engine, just unbolt it and bolt on a new one.

Answer 4

You've got to drop the tranny out to do this job, so if you're not familiar with how to do it, I recommend giving the job to a shop.

It seems to me that maybe the guy may have TOLD you the converter is messed up knowing it is really the tranny, so you'd buy the car. If the car is drivable, there's probably nothing wrong with the converter.

There's not much that can go wrong with a converter. They usually only get messed up when the (bad) tranny fills them with metal shavings

Answer 5

seems such as you have a sticking choke, verify the carburator an gas gadget . verify your gas traces aren,t too on the area of the exhaust, would desire to be vaporizing gas, talked approximately as vaporlock. good success