Looking for opinions on flushing a Lock Up Torque Convertor?

[1KWIKSIX]

I have a used Lock Up convertor that I bought from a member and was told it was low mileage, not abused, no damage or crap inside, blah...blah...blah...blah......
You know, we've all heard the same speal.

I am wondering if I can flush the lock up TC before installing it in my new transmission?

Have heard that you can flush a non lock up, however they don't recommend flushing a lock up unit as it may damage the clutch fibre mat'l?

Anyone have experience with this.
Looking for recommendations.

thanks,

dave

 

[Dusty Bradford]

If you have a local shop who can drill a hole in the side of it and flush it with new trans fluid, this is the best way to flush a converter. It's still not 100%. The only way to do it right is to cut it open and clean all of it. Used converters are ok as long as you know the history on them. Otherwise if you have to freshen a converter you can spend an additional $200-250 to make sure it's like new.

 

[1KWIKSIX]

If you have a local shop who can drill a hole in the side of it and flush it with new trans fluid, this is the best way to flush a converter. It's still not 100%. The only way to do it right is to cut it open and clean all of it. Used converters are ok as long as you know the history on them. Otherwise if you have to freshen a converter you can spend an additional $200-250 to make sure it's like new.

So flushing a lock up shouldn't do it harm?
While visiting Richard Clarks' last month, I noticed he has a flushing maching set up specifically for torque convertors. Didn't see any drilling of holes....it was a custom set up that seemed to circulate fresh fluid throughout under very low pressure. This really caught my eye. Looked to be a great set up.

If they drilled a hole in the side, how would they plug it back up? Weld it? or tap it then install a small brass plug?
Wouldn't it have to be rebalanced?

Sorry for all the questions.....just trying to have a better understanding of the procedure.

thanks,

dave

 

[charlief1]

Most of them have a jig that will let you drill it and then tap it for a pipe plug.

 

[1KWIKSIX]

Most of them have a jig that will let you drill it and then tap it for a pipe plug.

Should I be concerned about the pipe plug throwing the convertor out of balance? I would think that there must be a way of balancing these as they turn at a pretty high rate of speed?

 

[Nick Micale]

Dave, just set it in a pan with the hub down, and most of the fluid will drain in a day or so.

 

[SS/GN]

What the old guy said

Kevin

 

[Dusty Bradford]

I would not use any type of solvent to flush, trans fluid only. You can do what they said and let it drain over a day or so but we drill a hole in the side and flush with trans fluid. The hole is tap'd before flushing so a plug is threaded in after the flush then welded in place. Balance is not affected.

 

[Nick Micale]

I put a converter in the pan this AM, and about a quart of fluid has now drained. What fluid is showing is about an hour of drain time. The fluid is not dirty, burned or contaminated and most all has been drained into the pan, so this converter goes into a car tomorrow!

Maybe the 103 deg today helped it along?

 

[1KWIKSIX]

Thanks for all your help guys! Your recommendations have answered my questions.

dave

 

[84BuickGNYorkPA]

Mine came out looking alot darker then that, but no metallic flakes... the servo "O-ring" tore, which prevented the 2-3 clutch from getting oil pressure which, I don't know what. The tranny went to sh*t, all billet parts made for it that I don't already have are ordered, it's at the tranny shop now....
Question, can I fill the torque converter with fresh fluid and shake it around, drain it, repeat for 3/4 days until tranny builder is ready for it or send it back to Dusty to have it split and gone through.
Edit: Never mind, I took the high road and sent it back to Dusty, just got back from the UPS store....

Chuck