I've finally started to drop out my trans and ran into a problem. There's no inspection cover to remove to access the 4 bolts to separate the torque converter and flex plate/ flywheel. It's a solid 1 piece block plate. I've had suggestions from unbolting the trans from the bell housing to removing the starter and reaching the 4 bolts. The starter idea doesn't seem like there is enough room to even begin to reach the bolts. I thought the bell housing to trans bolts were inside the bell housing behind the torque converter. So, If I just unbolt the bell housing from the engine, will the trans come out? This would leave the torque converter attached to the flex plate. If all else fails I'm going to cut off the bottom of the block plate to access the bolts. I'm not worried about saving it as I'm putting in a different trans anyway. Just trying to work smarter not harder and save time, frustration and a lot of alcohol consumption.

Thanks Bret

I believe you're right about the torque converter staying attached to the flex plate while removing the transmission. But, how would you then be able to access the nuts that hold the converter to the flex plate anyway??

Neil

What did someone use a manual transmission backplate? I am not sure but I think you can reach the nuts from the starter access. Good Luck Marty

Brett,
Sorry a bit slow here. Yes, you remove the 4 bolts that hold the maincase of the transmission case to bellhouse. Been a few years, but there are many instances of what we call a "full circle" bellhouse. Especially in new cars. Many time prowling around the wrecking yard I have run into engines with the flex plate and torque convertor still attached.

Out is easy. In is a bit more fun to ensure you do not damage the front seal and properly engage the front pump to the torque convertor. Let me read up on that, and I will get back to you.

Rob

I believe you're right about the torque converter staying attached to the flex plate while removing the transmission. But, how would you then be able to access the nuts that hold the converter to the flex plate anyway??

Neil

Very easy after the bellhouse is removed from the engine. Separator plate is floppin around and you can reach them easily.

Rob

Brett,
My 1970 Motors Manual talks about a closed bellhouse for a FMX and kinda references station wagons and big cars. Kinda. It speaks to Cougar's and Mustang's having a removable front cover. After this ordeal you may want to find one of them.

It says to get all ready to go and support both the engine and tranny as normal. It then says lift up slightly on the rear end and gently move backwards until the main turbine shaft clears the bellhouse.

Does not have an install procedure, which means reverse the remove procedure.

If this was my car and I was going to use the tranny I would find the front shield that has the removable area for torque converter nuts. Complete converter seating into the automatic is a critical mistake made by many hobbyists. They start the car and it ruins the front pump if not properly seated. I seat mine by having the tranny stood straight up on is tail house. This lest gravity install the torque converter by gently spinning until it drops all the way. On most automatics when this happens your fingers better not be behind the torque converter. They get pinched between the bellhouse and the converter. It drops very quickly. When installing, after you get the bellhouse bolted on with the converter studs just poking through; one of the last things is to tighten the nuts. It should have a gap between the mounting surface and the flex plate and slowly draw forward. If you are jammed tight against the flex plate after securing the bell house to the engine, you are not seated all the way. You must back it out and try to push it in farther. A pain under the car. Easy with it standing up as explained.

By the way some flex plates only have one hole for a converter drain plug. Make sure you align those as you come bring it up to the bellhouse. And don't forget to put the darn shield on before you put the flex plate on....

Learn form my pain and stupidity....

By the way, I have Motors manuals from around 1938 to 1981 or so.

Rob