So today I dropped a new engine in(first time swapping an engine) got the torque converter on the splines went back in all the way seemingly, but with a small gap between the engine and trans bellhousing, long story short I thought it would only go on one way and that it couldn't be put on wrong, but apparently I did put it on wrong, because it took a lot of force to bolt together and I broke a chunk off the bellhousing....and from what little info I found I might have damaged my transmission and or torque converter....and money is tight and I need this thing running again so I can get a real job...so if anyone has suggestions or tips about what I should do, let me know...really don't want to have to shell out for a new trans and or shop repairs......I can't go a year without a car...

 

What probably happened is that the convertor was not engaged in the oil pump in the trans. Pull the convertor out and check the two small square pieces on the pump. You have to look right inside where the convertor slides in the trans. If you broke anything here it is the oil pump in the trans. Replacing the pump is easy, but you may have to have a trans shop properly shim the input shaft of the trans. Ask me how I know all this

 

I don't have to, I'm going to take a guess you did the same thing...seems to be not all that uncommon,lol, I know about all there is to know about an engine but my drivetrain knowledge is only read knowledge, not actual experience like I have with engines....

 

oh and forgot, this is the chunk I broke, more or less bottom bolt area sheared off....think I can get away without it, at least temporarily and get it welded on if necessary or leave it if not?

 

Yep, I had just got done building my motor and had a brand new Hughes TH-350. I broke one of the teeth off because I tried to force the two together. Sucked having to spend $100 bucks or so to replace an already brand new pump on a brand new trans.

 

Basically what happened is I had the splines lined up, but didn't have the two opposing notches on the tq converter output shaft hooked into the transmission shaft/water pump drive right? And was that just for a pump? I mean, if I took my car to a shop how much you think it would cost if I just need a new pump?

 

honestly, its a typical newb mistake...


shop would prolly charge you 300/400 to remove/reinstall the trans.

and probably another 50/75 to replace/shim/reinstall the pump.

plus fluids, plus parts.

id bet your looking at a 600ish dollar bill

 

Thats the fluid pump for the trans fluid, not a water pump. The pump for mine was about $100 from Summit. I dont remember the exact price. The shop I took it too charged me about $80 to shim the input shaft. When I put the new pump in I couldnt turn the input shaft anymore when the pump was bolted down so I had to have it reshimed. I personally would let someone who know how to atleast check the tolerances put the pump in. My guess would be around $200 total for the pump and install, but it could vary. I would call local trans shops in your area to get a price.

 

So I guess my best bet is to pull the transmission and take it to a shop if it needs repaired, anyone know ~ how much a 700r4 weighs? And is it at all possible to remove the torque converter with the trans and engine in the car? Also I noticed my flexplate is pinched and now I'm worried about my crankshaft...is there any chance I damaged that as well?...
Really wish the install could have went out without a hitch...I would have my car running and driveable for the first time if not for this major screw up

 

If you can remove the trans first, it would save a lot of money. I know a lot of shops around here charge $400 just to take the trans out.

The convertor sits between the motor and trans. The only way to remove it is to remove either the motor or the trans. Since your trans pump may be broken anyways, i would pull the trans.

What do you mean your flexplate is pinched?

 

It's pressed up against the block or bellhousing, can't recall which, but Hopefully its just from my F*** up bolting the trans up to the engine by force...