th400 experts check in

[tom j]

What would cause the converter to lock up, I mean actually keep it from spinning, (bound up) This happened while driving it stop the engine cold I thought I had broke the motor. All I could think of is the trans oil pump

 

[tom j]

anybody out there?

 

[jakeshoe]

Pump locked up from your description.

 

[tom j]

It is what figured, I just hope the converter isn't damaged or maybe the converter caused the pump to lock up.

 

[chris718]

does the starter turn the engine over?

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Converter nose galled in the ft pump bushing??

 

[chris718]

man chuck just the thought of that paints an ugly picture.

 

[Hacksaw]

Uh oh. Expect some carnage. Something broke, then froze in the converter? It could be the pump, maybe the pump gears are binding, maybe the bushing froze to the converter snout. The converter may have ballooned to the point of damage. Maybe the input shaft froze to a stator bushing.

Expect metal shavings if anything in the trans is involved. That means a new/rebuilt torque converter, flush the cooler, as well as a full overhaul, including a complete valvebody cleaning.

Out it has to come. Take a hard look at the flywheel as well when you drop the trans. If it's tweaked at all that's the best time to fix it as well.:frown:

I overhauled a Borg Warner T35 where the converter snout had froze to the pump bushing. Yes, it was ugly: New pump, rebuilt converter, etc.

 

[tom j]

the starter didn't turn it much I couldn't move it with 1/2" ratchet on the crank until I disconected the converter.

 

[tom j]

I finally got the trans to the shop and I just spoke to him and he said all it was a small piece of metal in stuck in the pump and no other damage to the trans and no damage to the converter. He tore it completly down and found nothing.