I built my th350 myself, and now I am putting it in.
Heres the problem: The converter is tight up against the flexplate when the housing is bolted tight to the motor. After bolting the converter to the flexplate, I can still turn the flexplate - but is is harder than when the tranny is off. Isn't there supposed to be some sort of clearence? The flexplate is not bent, it is brand new. I am pretty sure the converter is on all the way. It seems like it just needs to go on 1/8" to 1/4" farther.
Please help. Thanks.

 

sounds like your not in all the way, can you get your fingers between the back of the converter and the tranny?

 

The distance between the flex plate & torque converter should be .090-.125 before bolting it up.

 

Yup, the converter isn't in all the way.

DON'T start the motor. Get the converter put in right first. You'll need to back the trans away from the motor.

 

yea, the convertor is not in all the way, dont start the engine, or you will need a trans rebuild


I have been successfull in reseating the convertor by loosening the bellhousing bolts about 1/2 inch, having a helper pry the trans away from the motor and turning the convertor until it clunks and goes into the trans, then tighten the bolts and make sure the convertor turns by hand before you bolt it to the flywheel

 

Thanks! I was thinking about this at work (Ramp Agent at the Airport) and thought the same thing. thanks for the help. I will go on my break and try to fix it, since I have 2 hours between flights. If this is not the problem...... uhh this better be the problem.
It should be easy, the motor and trans are sitting on the floor out of the car.