Torque Converter Explanation

[scott.mohekey]

I found this pdf which seems to be a good explanation of how torque converters work. Can anyone else that's in the know confirm?


EDIT: helps if I post the link!

http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/AT02.pdf

[Subaru ETA]

yup had a quick look through it and seems like a very good article. the diagnoses and testing section will be good for people who dont know that stuff

[Turbo_Steve]

Like me: I didn't realise TCs were so involved!

[miller]

Damn thats clever stuff!!

[Nick Mann]

Stall test - chock wheels, apply handbrake, left foot on brake, car in Drive and mash the accelerator for 5 seconds.

Who wants to do that then? :o

[elnevio]

Stall test - chock wheels, apply handbrake, left foot on brake, car in Drive and mash the accelerator for 5 seconds.

Who wants to do that then? :o
I know - "up to the rev limit" !! :shocked:

[scott.mohekey]

I was more surprised at the fact its a 100% fluid coupling. It explains why we NEED really good fluid in there.

[Subaru ETA]

I know - "up to the rev limit" !! :shocked:

i havent actually read the article all the way through but are you talking about putting it into drive foot on the brake and reving it to the rev limit? because remember that if everything is all goode and well it will only rev up to the stall limit anyway

[scott.mohekey]

I think the article means WOT to achieve stall. So I don't think it will reach the rev limit.

[scott.mohekey]

Yep:
With the foot brakes fully applied, start the engine, place transmission in drive, and accelerate to wide open throttle and read the maximum engine rpm.

[Subaru ETA]

yup thats how you check the stall limit (also a good way to check for a missfire) however you cant do that in all cars as in some cars it over heats too quick

[Nick Mann]

That seems to be a harsh method of testing the mechanicals of your car. You have a fair bit of torque on a VR4 which is multiplied by the torque converter. I have twisted an output shaft to destruction on mine (I know I have more than standard torque!) so I'm not convinced that the wheels should be holding the entire drivetrain still whilst you reach maximum boost and peak torque. Some people launch at 2500-3000 rpm which is not far from maximum torque. Have you seen the torque spikes you can get on a rolling road when the operator loads up for a run on a tiptronic VR4?

[bradc]

It is hard to floor it anyway on a VR-4 in drive while keeping the car stationary. As soon as the turbos start to boost you lose your brake assist and the car just creeps forward.

[Subaru ETA]

well when you do it you have to use your brain - you dont sit there, nail it and hold it at stall for 5 minutes!