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4l60e torque converter spacing?

Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 256,000 MILES
I’m installing a rebuilt engine into the truck listed above 1500.
I got the engine in, and all mounted up. I forgot to check torque converter spacing before I tightened the torque converter to flex plate. I checked the torque converter was in all the way before I put engine in. My question is, is there a measurement that can be taken after torque converter has been tightened to flex plate or should I remove flex plate bolts and check distance? I do remember before I tightened bolts to flex plate to mounting pads onto torque converter it was just about flush with holes on flex plate to torque.
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Friday, September 23rd, 2022 AT 6:05 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi,

If the torque converter was nearly flush with the flex plate, it should be fine. If it was pressing against the flex plate, that would be a concern.

Have you tried things to make sure everything is working?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, September 23rd, 2022 AT 10:42 PM
Tiny
HD2424
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Update: I took the 3-torque converter to flex plate bolts out. I pushed the converter back about 3/16 tenths to a quarter back. The spacing between the torque converter bolt boss and flex plate boss is about the same measurement. I think that’s correct doesn’t torque converter doesn’t move back and forth as flex plate flex.
Please let me know if you think it is correct and I can bolt up.
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Saturday, September 24th, 2022 AT 6:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi,

It does sound correct. Also, the converter can move a bit in the front pump, so what you described sounds good.

If you can, let me know how things turn out for you. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, September 24th, 2022 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
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Okay, will do.
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 7:10 AM
Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 191 POSTS
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 256,000 MILES
I’m installing a rebuilt engine into the 03 Chevy Silverado 1500.
I got engine in and all mounted up. I forgot to check torque converter spacing before I tighten torque converter to flex plate. I did check the torque converter was in all the way before I put engine in. My question is there a measurement that can be taken after torque converter has been tightened to flex plate or should I remove flex plate bolts and check distance? I do remember before I tighten bolts to flex plate to mounting pads onto torque converter it was just about flush with holes on flex plate to torque converter pads.

The picture is of it bolted up now the measurement is about 1 1/16 from torque converter mount pad to edge of bell housing.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
There is really not a spacing measurement like you ask. The measurement that is important is when the torque converter is not bolted up, it should have about 1/4 to 3/8 inch of "free space" that you move the converter up to the flex plate, if there is no room or the converter is "tight" against the flex plate the torque converter is not installed correctly here is video that shows how to install it correctly.

https://youtu.be/ZC7xHVMKLRw

If you have tightened the engine to the transmission without the "free space" the transmission will need to be removed and the front pump repaired. Hope this helps.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HD2424
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I have a measurement of 1/4 inch exactly with torque converter pushed all the way in between torque converter pad to flex plate. I’ve seen online they say it should be 1/8 to 3/16 which is correct? Or a 1/4?

It’s 4l60e 5.3 engine
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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You are good at 1/4 inch, you can spin the torque converter with the engine connected and no mounting bolts, correct? If so, you are good to go.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HD2424
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Yes, I can.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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You should be okay with the spacing. Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HD2424
  • MEMBER
  • 191 POSTS
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 256,000 MILES
I’m installing a rebuilt engine into the truck listed above 1500.
I got the engine in, and all mounted up. I forgot to check torque converter spacing before I tightened the torque converter to flex plate. I checked the torque converter was in all the way before I put engine in. My question is, is there a measurement that can be taken after torque converter has been tightened to flex plate or should I remove flex plate bolts and check distance? I do remember before I tightened bolts to flex plate to mounting pads onto torque converter it was just about flush with holes on flex plate to torque.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,950 POSTS
The only way to check it is to loosen the converter bolts enough and bottom it out in the pump, then measure between the mounting pads and the flex plate. You want a 16th to a maximum of an 8th inch between the flex plate and the pads. So, say you bottom out the converter and measure and find a quarter inch gap. Add up 3 16th washers and install them between the converter pads and the flex plate.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Yes, I measured 3 times it’s a 1/4 between flex plate and torque converter pad so I’ll get 3 16th washers'. Thanks
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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I’m just curious, does that happen a lot you have to shim. What causes flex plate imperfections?
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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The main reason is that the parts are made to a bunch of stacked tolerances and designed to be put together fast on the assembly line. As such they make it so it's not a precision fit, just in case they get a batch of flex plates that are stamped with the pads a bit high or converters that are machined with a shallow pump drive groove, they still fit together without needing to scrap thousands of parts.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Okay, thanks.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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You're welcome. Please return any time.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 3:15 PM (Merged)

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