Binding on torque converter when tightening

[rcb1]

Replaced the motor on my brother in laws k1500 with a diesel. Everything goes well but when I tighten bell housing bolts the last 1/8 of an inch I am inable to turn the converter/motor. I loosen the bolts and shift it apart an 1/8 and I can turn it over again. I cant think of any place it would be binding and cant see anything. Anyone have ideas?

 

[badazzbulldog]

sounds like the tourqe convertor isnt all the way into the trans,did you spin it and make sure it clunked into the pump all the way,also not sure what you did on the swap but what trans do you have in it.

 

[rcb1]

Not a swap, had to replace the motor after it hydrolocked in some water. I didnt rotate the converter, but we didnt remove it either. Possible it could have been unseated?

 

[badazzbulldog]

very possible i would check it,it doesnt take much to bind it up

 

[rcb1]

As I spin it, it comes to a point where it makes a clunking sound and stops. I havent tried forcing it of course. Is that the lockup rod?

 

[brutpwr]

Gennerally you should have at least 3/16" gap between the flywheel and the torque converter mounting tabs with the transmission fully bolted and seated up against the block. You can check this very easily with a 3/16" drill bit. Do not tighten up the bellhousing bolts if the converter mounts come up against the flywheel while bolting up the trans. You need to check that the converter is fully seated into the pump. Rotate it as you push it in and usually you can feel it click into place. Do this at least three times until it is fully seated. If you don't feel it click in each time you turn it then you need to try again. This is important as you can damage the pump if not done properly as you do not want to preload the pump with the converter.

Jason

As I spin it, it comes to a point where it makes a clunking sound and stops. I havent tried forcing it of course. Is that the lockup rod?