How does a Torque Converter work?

[EagleMark]

How does a Torque Converter work including the lock up? Well I had a basic understanding but like most of the black magic preformed by an auto trans not a full understanding. It is the only part of a car I have never taken a course on.

Thought this video was very informative on the TCC end and cleared up the workings.

EDIT: Dead link...

[RobertISaar]

automatic transmission = ATF+magic

if either goes away, it quits working.

[buddrow]

Mark,

The torque converter used over the last 50 yrs or so is a type of fluid coupling. The main difference is that a fluid coupling does not multiply the torque like a torque converter. The TC consists of 3 main components aside from the outer shell. These parts are..Impeller, stator, and turbine.
As the engine rotates, it is obviously spinning fluid around inside the TC. The 3 parts of the converter all have fins used to direct the flow of fluid through the TC. Fluid first hits the impeller which is driven directly by the engine. This fluid is directed through the stator which redirects the fluid into the turbine fins thus turning the internal parts of the transmission creating movement. The turbine is similar to the impeller except that it is not connected to the engine but the input shaft of the transmission. Now, the stator has fins which direct the fluid from the impeller fins to the turbine fins. The angle of the turbine, stator, and impeller fins determine the relative stall speed of the TC. Is that enough or have I only created more questions? :)

Buddrow

[EagleMark]

That all makes sense after watching the video as well because I know what the parts are!

[buddrow]

I clicked on that link and it said "page not found".

[EagleMark]

D'oh!

[JeepsAndGuns]

I clicked on that link and it said "page not found".

Same here.

I too have never been able to figure out how a automatic works. Just give me a good manual trans. I understand all parts of those. I have rebuilt several.

[buddrow]

Lol I didn't get into this field initially out of i terest, more out of necessity. I love to row my own but I also Love to slap the gear shift in OD and go. the most complicated part is the control system, be it hydraulic or electro-hydraulic, both present their own challenges. The mechanical parts are just parts. Like a jigsaw puzzle, you may force it together a number of ways but it will only be right one way. ;)

Any who.

[1project2many]

What's interesting to me is the development of the auto trans from early days of manual + fluid coupling to today with electronic controls. Thinking about how to apply a series of clutches in the best manner, how to physically place them in the transmission for best packaging... there's a *lot* of engineering involved even when the result isn't a good trans.

The holy grail has been for years a completely dry automatic and it may be coming in the form of manual transmissions with computer actuated clutch and gearshift. This is already done in Europe and on some heavy trucks here although the "row your own" guys can't stand them. But with the CAFE numbers heading up, the manual wins the game in terms of overall efficiency.

[1BadAction]

automatic transmission = ATF+magic

if either goes away, it quits working.
:laugh::laugh: Apparently I have terrible luck with keeping the Magic part in my 4L60Es. 4L80Es seem to treat me well, though.

I like my manual transmissions but they lose a lot of their appeal when trying to pull a boat up a slick ramp, crawling along a river bank, towing a big load, etc. Most of the time I've owned two vehicles, the truck that does truck things has been an auto, and the car has been a manual.

[buddrow]

What's interesting to me is the development of the auto trans from early days of manual + fluid coupling to today with electronic controls. Thinking about how to apply a series of clutches in the best manner, how to physically place them in the transmission for best packaging... there's a *lot* of engineering involved even when the result isn't a good trans.

The holy grail has been for years a completely dry automatic and it may be coming in the form of manual transmissions with computer actuated clutch and gearshift. This is already done in Europe and on some heavy trucks here although the "row your own" guys can't stand them. But with the CAFE numbers heading up, the manual wins the game in terms of overall efficiency.

Indeed, the "dry-autos" are neat. Using a dry-dual clutch setup instead of a torque converter is an interesting take as well. Ill have to find the article I read and post it. It disengages while at a stop and re-engages upon take-off, much like the hybrid cars kill the engine at a stop. With the advent of 7,8,9, and 10 speed auto transmissions my job gets more interesting every day.
I've been in the transmission industry for almost as long as I've been turning wrenches and to see how far things have come just in the last 20 years, heck the last decade, it's mind boggling. All very good ideas, most just a poor execution of the ideas usually by way of less than ideal materials.

Ok, enough of my ranting. Have a great day everyone and Happy Spring!!

Buddrow

[buddrow]

:laugh::laugh: Apparently I have terrible luck with keeping the Magic part in my 4L60Es. 4L80Es seem to treat me well, though.

I like my manual transmissions but they lose a lot of their appeal when trying to pull a boat up a slick ramp, crawling along a river bank, towing a big load, etc. Most of the time I've owned two vehicles, the truck that does truck things has been an auto, and the car has been a manual.

Same here. Fun ones you row your own lol. The 4L60E can be a very durable unit it built correctly with the right parts install. Like building an engine. You want a maxxed out stock block, rods, heads...etc or do you want a long block that is built for running hard with a forged crank and rods, good heads, etc. You have to approach the trans the same way. The old saying, "Speed cost money, how fast you wanna go" always applies.

Buddrow

[Randy 79]

automatic transmission = ATF+magic

if either goes away, it quits working.

That is just how I feel about automatics. I have learned about all parts of a car/truck and can fix most parts without too much difficulty (or at least stumble through a repair). Auto Transmissions and computers were the two things I didn't mess with. Learning now about the computers, but I leave auto trans stuff to the experts, too much voodoo inside that case for me.