Just as those plentiful critical components that build up an automobile, the torque converter and flexplate also play vital roles in helping the vehicle run well.
Yet, little might you know the gap between these two parts is no less important than the execution of each one.
Why is it so crucial to have an adequate torque converter to flexplate gap?
Let us walk you through this wonder from top to bottom with our detailedly-explained article. Wait for no more but scroll down and grasp further!
Torque Converter To Flexplate Gap: What Is The Ideal Spacing?
As an essential car part that links the automatic transmission and the engine, the flexplate should be placed with a gap of no more than 3/16 inch and no less than ⅛ inch away from the torque converter.
But why must we comply with such a restriction of torque converter installation instructions? Let’s first dig into the way the flexplate works.
With this crucial component functioning properly, the torque will get from the crankshaft to the transmission smoothly while offering sufficient traction for the power-transferring process.
How about the torque converter clutch?
It is also an indispensable presence of the procedure by connecting the engine and transmission with a revolving flow of hydraulic fluid, which acts as a cushion between them.
These two transmission components, together, must be in good alignment for effective functioning.
Otherwise, their rotating axes won’t line up accordingly when there is too much distance between the flexplate and torque converter installation.
The engine will then generate a lot of torque, without them correctly spaced to handle the severe vibration created by the procedure.
This could cause a wide range of consequences, such as a decrease in fuel economy and perhaps raised emissions from the car.
This is because the engine produces a lot of torque, which can result in severe vibration if the transmission system’s components are not correctly spaced.
Keeping the internal components properly aligned ensures that the transmission performs at its best while also improving fuel efficiency, reducing pollutants, and lessening engine stress.
What Are The Consequences If There Is No Gap Between Torque Converter And Flexplate?
You have heard of a few consequences of no gap between flexplate and torque converter we mentioned before. Bad news: The situation can be a lot worse.
Here is what you should expect when deciding not to space these two components adequately!
Significantly Increase In-Transmission Friction
By placing your flexplate and torque too close together, these working parts of the gearbox will encounter greater friction and heat buildup due to not having enough room for sufficient lubrication.
It goes without saying that such high temperatures and extended usage will result in these parts getting overworked or even freezing up as you abandon this lubricating task.
Imbalanced Power Delivery
We all know the torque converter and flexplate’s main duties are both to assist in power transference. Guess what?
This course of delivering power would not be fulfilled as these two parts fail to maintain a proper distance.
The energy transferred from the engine to the drive wheel may become unbalanced as a result of the poor gap between the converter and the flexplate.
This uneven configuration can give rise to the vehicle’s performance being erratic or, worse: early wear and tear of the drivetrain’s parts.
Transmission Not Engaging Properly
The space between the shimming torque converter and the flexplate being too narrow can also lead to another weighty problem.
As a result, it could be impossible for your transmission to engage when changing gears decently.
The gears may grind or slide for that reason, causing extravagant wear and vibration on both parts.
Annoying Noises
Whether it is too spacious or too tiny the converter gap, there is always an aftermath to face with.
In this case, we are talking about the disturbing noise caused by the unstable connection that an excessively ample room between these two components may instill.
Worse yet, the loud bad torque converter noise isn’t the only thing that matters here and makes your driving journey uncomfortable.
Your safety when being on the road can also be affected as you cannot focus completely because of this sound disturbance.
Bad Effect On The Engine
Little did you know the transmission problem resulting from improper flexplate-to-torque converter spacing might eventually put a lot of strain on the engine.
With these two internal components not operating in order, others had to carry on more jobs than they were supposed to take, which easily led to chaos in the system.
In particular, it may cause your vehicle to enter “limp mode,” increase RPMs, impair the optimal performance, or ignite trouble codes linked to the powertrain and gearbox.
Misalignment Of Drivetrain Parts
Every little part of your automobile, in one way or another, works in harmony to generate an adequate ride that satisfies its passengers.
That means if one part fails to function, there are many chances it will also involve the others’ failure.
Things go the same with the case of wrong spacing between the flexplate and the torque converter.
Poor spacing between the two can also lead to the misalignment of other pieces in the drivetrain, which increases the load on other sections of the drivetrain system and could cause more damage.
This can potentially result in significant issues with the dependability and performance of your car.
How To Calibrate the Spacing Between the Flexplate and Torque Converter Effectively and Safely?
Lucky for you, it is not a dead end when it comes to the spacing problem of the flexplate and the torque converter.
If you believe that these two are not correctly spaced, there are certain procedures you may take to calibrate the gap between them exactly.
Step 1: Make Sure You Know The Measurement Of Your Current Gap
Whether it is wrong or right, the need to grasp detailedly about the gap you are having never goes redundant to modify it better.
So that is it: Grab your tool and get the process started! Remember this: It should ideally fall between the previously indicated range of 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch.
Otherwise, you can jump straight to the next step to restart from scratch!
Step 2: Modify As Required
What else could we do when the two internal components are not in good alignment? We modify them!
But how to install torque converter to flexplate with a decent distance between them?
All you need is merely a feeler gauge and a very conscious mind to adjust the space between flexplate and the torque converter to the measurement range you long for.
And now, you are halfway there!
Step 3: Tighten The Bolts Again
It goes without saying that your aligning torque converter flexplate procedure cannot be completed without it involving taking off the bolts.
After that, retightening all mounting bolts or checking for any crank bolts is one of the important steps you cannot miss out on.
So bear in mind to verify that they are firmly fastened after adjusting the gap.
Make sure that they are torqued in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations of 700R4 torque converter bolts torque specs!
Step 4: Recalculate
After you get the bolts tightened, there is a likelihood that the gap must have run more or less.
That is why measuring the gap again once you finish the earlier step is necessary to ensure it is still within allowable limits.
Step 5: Do A Driving Test Around Your Local Area
There is no way better than a driving test to check whether you have got things back on the right track.
As you test drive your car, listen for any strange noises or excessive engine vibrations emanating from the flexplate and torque converter regions as well as how your transmission operates.
If there is no sign of things going wrong, you know you are there for success!
What To Do If the Spacing Is Outside Of Optimal Conditions?
After the procedures mentioned earlier, what if the gap between the flexplate and the torque converter is still not in the correct range even when you have done all the steps?
Or, let’s say this time, you detect something odd right away when you activate the internal combustion engine. What should you do in such cases?
When this unfortunate scenario happens, it is likely that further transmission system problems are currently present in your system.
The best way here to deal with it is to stop making any move on the car and leave the issue to a qualified technician who can correctly identify any possible issues and assist you in safely resolving them.
Potential Influences on the Distance Between the Flexplate and the Torque Converter
The gap between the torque converter should be accurate by nature, just like the spark plug’s gap.
So the question is: What could possibly make it go wrong even when you had nothing to do with it before?
Below are some circumstances that you should be aware of that may result in misalignment or incorrect spacing of the two:
- The detriment to other transmission parts or the flexplate.
- Incorrectly torqued or loosened mounting bolts.
- Excessive heat, particularly in the transmission area.
- The regular traversing of difficult terrain.
- Automobile collision.
- Significant block engine vibration; you can even feel the vibration through the car’s floor.
- Worn and tear drivetrain components.
Now you know what may affect your torque converter to flex plate gap.
Keeping these variables in mind is never de trop to manage all of its components in excellent shape and correctly set for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Above is all that you should acknowledge regarding the torque converter to flexplate gap.
Always be conscious that even such a little detail like this is not to be looked down on if you wish for your automobile’s optimal performance to always be sharp and superb.
Now, make sure you have noted down all that needs remembering. It’s time to grab your tool and single-handedly take good care of your car!