How does a torque converter work?

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How does a torque converter work? - 2/6/2006 2:23:35 PM    Canadian88 Posts: 489 Joined: 11/23/2005 From: Detroit Status: offline I just don't understand how an automatic can idle at zero mph and have 550 rpms. I know it has something to do with the torque converter, but all of the liturature I have found has done nothing to help. _____________________________ 2003 4.3L 2WD Blazer 2DR K&N air filter Alpine S-type speakers in all 4 corners Damplifier behind all speakers and in cargo area Alpine CDA-9856 (iPod interface) Alpine 10" type S Sub with 400W Alpine MRP-M450 amp www.secondskinaudio.com Post #: 1

RE: How does a torque converter work? - 2/6/2006 2:36:18 PM    swartlkk Posts: 15304 Joined: 5/1/2005 From: Waterloo, NY Status: offline Here's a VERY detailed explaination - TCI Automotive - Torque Converters Explained. How Stuff Works - Automatic Transmission is another one. I don't think it has specifics about the TC, but it does go into some pretty good information about the auto transmissions as a whole. Let me know if more information is required. _____________________________ Kyle- My Restoration Projects Please Do Not PM for Tech Help (in reply to Canadian88) Post #: 2

RE: How does a torque converter work? - 2/6/2006 3:46:10 PM    ivannj Posts: 321 Joined: 11/2/2005 Status: offline Think of it as a pulley in the tranny. Great link Swartlk _____________________________ 97 Blazer LS 4wd 4.3l 2dr 71,000 miles E-fan, Low Drag Pullies, Intake, Gibson Exhuast, B&M Deep Tranny Pan, B&M Shift Plus, Hypertech Tuner, TB Spacer (in reply to Canadian88) Post #: 3

RE: How does a torque converter work? - 2/6/2006 5:24:22 PM    Hanr3 Wheels & Tire Moderator Posts: 3523 Joined: 5/11/2005 Status: offline Do you understand now? If nto post up and I will try to answer it another way. _____________________________ "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." -President Ronald Reagan '87 S10-Blazer - SOLD '93 S10-Blazer 4x4x4 - Sons DD, engine swap is done. '00 S10-Blazer 4x4x4 - My (in reply to ivannj) Post #: 4

RE: How does a torque converter work? - 2/10/2006 1:13:35 PM    Canadian88 Posts: 489 Joined: 11/23/2005 From: Detroit Status: offline Nay, I do not understand. _____________________________ 2003 4.3L 2WD Blazer 2DR K&N air filter Alpine S-type speakers in all 4 corners Damplifier behind all speakers and in cargo area Alpine CDA-9856 (iPod interface) Alpine 10" type S Sub with 400W Alpine MRP-M450 amp www.secondskinaudio.com (in reply to Hanr3) Post #: 5

RE: How does a torque converter work? - 2/10/2006 1:40:51 PM    gravix   Posts: 6 Joined: 2/10/2006 Status: offline Well, if you just want a picture for your mind you can think of it like a clutch that is always slipping a little bit. If you push the clutch halfway in, a vehicle with a manual can idle at 500rpms in gear and still go when you push the gas. The difference, obviously, is that one is designed to slip slightly all the time and the other is not. You can buy torque converters that "slip" by differing amounts... Usually the ones that come from the factory are relatively "tight" for fuel economy, but for racing purposes you can get ones that will let you push the engine to 2000 or 3000 rpms at a dead stop. :) EDIT: This is a very simplified explaination. In reality torque converters behave very differently from conventional clutches, but hopefully it will help you get your mind around what's going on. < Message edited by gravix -- 2/10/2006 1:42:52 PM > _____________________________ 2001 Blazer LS 2dr 4wd (no auto) 4.3L 5spd manual "He who dies with the most toys wins!" (in reply to Canadian88) Post #: 6

RE: How does a torque converter work? - 2/13/2006 2:04:16 PM    Hanr3 Wheels & Tire Moderator Posts: 3523 Joined: 5/11/2005 Status: offline Basically a torque converter is a fluid link between the engine flywheel/crankshaft, and the tranny input shaft. The faster the engine spins, the faster the torque converter spins the fluid to grab the input shaft on the tranny. Think of it this way. A torque converter is two big fans spinning in opposite directions. One fan is connected to the engine mechanically. The other fan is connected to the tranny mechanically. The tranny fluid connects the two fans together. Tranny fluid, like all liquids, does not compress. When the engine fan spins it makes the tranny fluid spin the tranny fan. This makes your truck move. _____________________________ "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." -President Ronald Reagan '87 S10-Blazer - SOLD '93 S10-Blazer 4x4x4 - Sons DD, engine swap is done. '00 S10-Blazer 4x4x4 - My (in reply to gravix) Post #: 7

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