The original converter for my '69 442 has been sitting 15+ years, and I'd like to use it again once I get the car together. It functioned fine before I removed it. Will I have a problem using it again after it sat for so long? I plan on eventually swapping in a TH2004R so it will be somewhat temporary. Also, does anyone by chance know if the lower flywheel cover is the same between a TH400 and TH2004R? Thanks!

-Jon

 

Torque converters do have internal bearings and bushings that can wear out. If you really only intend for this to be temporary, go for it, but in my experience, "temporary" tends to last several years.

 

Depends on how it was stored. if it was stored covered you should be ok. However if it was stored uncovered , it would of accumulated dust and junk, over the years, and the trash will circulate through the transmission. and the transmission cooler. (specifically the lube system). However they can be cleaned either by a tranny shop or by you, if your brave enough. It requires drilling a smalll hole in a specific place and a special rivit.

Also i believe that most hydraulic fluid,including transmission fluid, is hydroscopic (absorbs water) in nature. i'd remove as much of the old fluid in the converter as possible and flush the converter with a quart or two of fresh fluid. water in the fluid causes clutch failure.

/usual disclamer/ not a tranny expert but learning

Jason

 

Thanks guys. I think I'll flush it out and run it. I guess if/when it breaks that will be the time to swap to a 2004R.

-Jon