Need help please

[xrunner123]

Sorry, but this is not GN related, but hopefully someone can help. My brother-in-law is just put a motor back into his truck and he is having some problems. Can someone give some guidance. Here's his email

"I connected the Torque Converter to the Fly Wheel and I can turn the engine
by putting a socket on the Crankshaft. As I slide the transmission forward
to the block the engine will no longer turn by hand?? Everything has froze
up?? If I back out the Transmission housing bolts a half an inch and
separate the Trans from the block I can turn the engine again by hand???"

Thanks

 

[Rickracer]

The torque converter is not properly engaged in the front pump

Hopefully nothing is broken yet. I've seen it happen before. Most flexplates have a certain amount of flex (that's why they call em flexplates ), and maybe didn't break anything in the pump. If it's been started up like that, all bets are off.

 

[xrunner123]

It hasn't been started. What should be done?

 

[TurboCustomz]

His best bet.

Is to install the TC onto the tranny first. then bolt everything up. I dont even bother taking them off it I can get away with it.

 

[Rickracer]

This is lengthy but thorough....

...first pull the trans back out. Pull the converter, look inside where the lugs engage the front pump. Look closely, preferably with a nice bright flashlight, if you don't see any cracks, or other damage, measure the distance from the back of the block (bellhousing mounting surface) to the rear edge of the flexplate where the converter bolts up. Then install the converter back in the trans, turning it, pushing and jiggling it till it goes back inside farther than the measurement you took, as measured by a straightedge across the bellhousing to the mounting pad on the converter (bolt hole or bolt mounting boss, I assume it's not a Ford since you didn't mention studs on the converter). Once the trans is bolted up, you should have an 1/8" to 1/4" gap between the flexplate and the converter mounting bolt pads. Pull the converter forward to the flexplate and bolt it up.

 

[xrunner123]

It's a 89 Bronco. The converter wasn't in all the way.
There's another problem maybe someone has some insight?

He posted this on another site, but no help.

"I have an 89 full-size with a 302 and an automatic. I just rebuilt the 302 and put it back in the Bronco. the engine started no problem and it runs in park great. When I put the car in drive the engine still runs great, however when I give it gas I get nothing in response. What is happening to me is as I give it more gas the RPM's never go above 1500 and it feels like I am pulling 5 others trucks behind me? The Bronco just rolls along as if at idle. I am thinking trans but I am not sure where to start???"

Thanks

 

[Rickracer]

Either the tras and/or converter is bad....

....or possibly the shifter is not adjusted properly and is in more than one gear (hydraulically). Verify the shifter position, (try taking the shifter loose and shift the trans manually at the shift lever on the side of the trans). If that doesn't do it, time for a visit to your favorite tranny shop.

 

[xrunner123]

Well everything was working before he pulled the motor to do a rebuild. Thanks, I'll pass on the info.

 

[Rickracer]

Sounds like the front pump was hurt...

....but there could quite possibly be a number of other things causing this, such as lack of fuel pressure, or restricted exhaust, but most likely its going to be a trans/front pump problem.