Converter flush?

[Gmirza]

Is it possible to flush a converter without cutting it open?

[ss3011]

Most Transmission repair shops have a converter flush machine. Just beware that they are meant to flush burnt oil and have trouble with gritty metal debris. If your trying to flush metal out, it is probably better to have the converter cut apart, so everything can be clean throughly, and possibly replace the bearings.

[VE6DRW]

I've been looking for a shop in western Canada to flush a converter, but most have abandoned the practice. Either they install new or reconditioned convertors, or cut them apart and rebuild them.


I think it's becoming a "lost art".

[Mark Yacavone]

As Russ said, you can flush the oil out of one ,but most of the debris hides up under the weld seam at the radius high point. I doubt that will ever flush out.
If you don't have a drain plug (highly recommended) the best you can do is, first,
set the unit on the bench and slip a small vinyl hose through the hub and all the way down to the pilot area, and start a siphon going over the edge of the bench.
Once you get most of the oil out, then refill the converter with a mild solvent like mineral spirits.
If you have a trans input shaft laying around, you can then spin the turbine for a while to stir up the fluid. Siphon it out again , then blow it out with air until mostly dry.
That's about the best you can do , my friends.

[MAURICE BLENDHEIM]

Originally Posted by VE6DRW

I've been looking for a shop in western Canada to flush a converter, but most have abandoned the practice. Either they install new or reconditioned convertors, or cut them apart and rebuild them.


I think it's becoming a "lost art".

Where in Western Canada are you? MB

[Gmirza]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately there’s more junk in there than I was hoping to find. I’ll send it back to ATI and get it done right.

[VE6DRW]

Originally Posted by MAURICE BLENDHEIM

Where in Western Canada are you? MB

Located just west of Edmonton.

[MAURICE BLENDHEIM]

Originally Posted by VE6DRW

Located just west of Edmonton.

TCS Convertors in Langley BC, offer Convertor Servicing. MB

[lorenr]

Curious and probably a dumb question, but where does the "junk" come from that collects inside the converter?

Doesn't the transmission filter pick it up?

I've changed a fair amount of transmission filters and sometimes find a few metal specks, but very few. Powder residue is a little more common.

Loren

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by lorenr

Curious and probably a dumb question, but where does the "junk" come from that collects inside the converter?

Doesn't the transmission filter pick it up?

I've changed a fair amount of transmission filters and sometimes find a few metal specks, but very few. Powder residue is a little more common.

Loren

The converter doesn't produce much residue on it's own. There's only a few Torringtons in there, and maybe a few shims.
Most of what you find is the same as you find in the pan.
The pump picks up filtered fluid and sends it to the converter and lube circuit first.
Some of the clutch material still finds it's way into the converter after a while.
Once it's thrown up under the overlap of the welded seam, it's not coming out of there.
The best reason to cut one open is to inspect the sprag and bearings and stator clearance, which affects the stall.