Torque Converter Flext Plate Bolts

[grubby65]

I have been trying to find a ticking noise in my 1964 Polara, 383, 727. Put it up on the hoist today and found that it was the Torque Converter to Flex Plate bolts that were hitting the dust shield. I had a new torque converter put in the car a few months ago. My question is there is a galvanized flat washer between the bolt and the flex plate. They don't look like they should be there and I was wondering if this is why the heads of the bolts were hitting the dust shield.

 

[red72]

I do not recall there being any washers on the flex plate bolts. I believe I would remove them and put the bolts back on with some locktite.

 

[dla4567]

Agreed, never saw any washers. Also the bolt head is rather thin. Make sure you have the correct bolts.

 

[grubby65]

Does anyone know what the torque spec. is for the bolts and what the correct size is? It was an aftermarket torque converter and I'm wondering if the mounting tabs were too shallow and the bolts bottomed out so washers were installed for spacers. The bolts look correct (grade 8, thin heads)

 

[Jackpot50]

No washers thin head fine thread bolts Grade 8 with loctite.
Mark converter to plate take all out and check bolt depth

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Does anyone know what the torque spec. is for the bolts and what the correct size is? It was an aftermarket torque converter and I'm wondering if the mounting tabs were too shallow and the bolts bottomed out so washers were installed for spacers. The bolts look correct (grade 8, thin heads)

Good call.... check for bottomed out bolts for sure. You're on the right track. It sounds like a minor clearance issue & you'll figure it out... shorter bolts, lock-tite for sure, no washers.... you could "clearance" the inspection cover too if you had to. Just look for the "shiny spots" where metal is hitting metal and touch that spot up with a grinder if push comes to shove.

 

[moparsteve636]

NO washers ever! Use Red Locktite!

 

[Shorthorse]

Like what Jackpot50 said, mark your converter and flexplate. The bolt hole pattern is NOT symmetrical.
I was always told never to reuse torque converter bolts. Good advise or not, I would just go ahead and buy new ARP torque converter bolts. They will fit and are about $12.
Also, you said you had it installed. I might not be in a hurry to go back to the same shop that did that. Most Mopar guys know you don't use washers on torque converters. I'm surprised the old setup didn't hit your block. There's not much room there.

 

[65NUTCASE]

Just went thru this 5/16 bolts came with washers from me gasket 7/16 from arp no washers I have never used washers ...

 

[grubby65]

I have been trying to find a ticking noise in my 1964 Polara, 383, 727. Put it up on the hoist today and found that it was the Torque Converter to Flex Plate bolts that were hitting the dust shield. I had a new torque converter put in the car a few months ago. My question is there is a galvanized flat washer between the bolt and the flex plate. They don't look like they should be there and I was wondering if this is why the heads of the bolts were hitting the dust shield.

Ok, well I took the car back to the shop that did the Torque Converter Swap. Here is what I found out.
1) The torque converter that was removed was a TCI, which required 7/16" mounting bolts.
2) The flexplate was redrilled to accept the 7/16" bolts.
3) The replacement torque converter they supplied was set up for the standard 5/16" bolts.
4) The installed the washers to cover the larger holes in the flex plate.

Now the problem, they are not willing to do any fixes to the issue (AKA different torque converter) unless I want to purchase the new converter and pay for the installation. They guy who runs the shop said the smaller bolts will work fine and I just need to grind down the heads of the bolts a little or clearance the dust shield. Basically he is telling me it is not his issue since it was a non-factory setup. Pretty disappointing since they removed the torque converter and should have noticed what I have. I know I won't be using this shop again. What are your guys thoughts. Will the smaller bolts be an issue if the I can get the clearance problem fixed?

 

[dla4567]

What an ***!
What size were the factory bolts? How much power are you making? Are you going to be concerned about the bolts breaking? If you do use the smaller bolts you may want to change the flex plate since the holes were drilled bigger.

 

[grubby65]

What an ***!
What size were the factory bolts? How much power are you making? Are you going to be concerned about the bolts breaking? If you do use the smaller bolts you may want to change the flex plate since the holes were drilled bigger.

This is what I understand. The normal bolts are 5/16" grade 8. The Hemi style bolts are 7/16". So it would have originally have had 5/16" bolts. The PO had installed a Streetfighter TCI torque converter which used the 7/16" bolts. For what I use the car for the stall was way too high, so I had the transmission shop put in a lower stall converter (2200 rpm). The replacement converter used the smaller 5/16" bolts. So when they installed the new converter they had to use the smaller bolts. The car had a relatively mild 383. I would guess somewhere in the neighborhood of 375 hp. So nothing crazy.

 

[grubby65]

What an ***!
What size were the factory bolts? How much power are you making? Are you going to be concerned about the bolts breaking? If you do use the smaller bolts you may want to change the flex plate since the holes were drilled bigger.

This may be a real stupid question, but what is the real purpose of the bolts? Are they there to just hold the torque converter to the flex plate or do they take some or all of the torque of the motor?

 

[dla4567]

It would probably be ok with the smaller bolts and washers if you make enough clearance. I would change either the flex plate or the converter so they matched, (but I wouldn't be happy about it).

 

[Wmlantis]

They should have replaced flex plate. But my guess is they had trans in before realizing those holes were too big. So the washer was a band aid. I would change it out to get the correct hole. That is a place for engine balance to be sent out of whack.
Real good chance you will have to pull trans soon to replace front seal from the converter being off center.