Automatic Transmission Install Issue

[asanjuan]

Hi e28 people -

I have removed and installed automatic transmissions a number of times before, but this time I cannot get the bottom of the bell housing to close in to the engine block. I have the top two bolts aligned and threaded in. However, I cannot get the two large bottom bolts close enough to screw them into the bottom part of the engine.

I've been at this for two days and my frustration level is off the charts. What am I doing wrong that I cannot get this done. I had everything all done only a couple of days ago. I took the transmission out only to replace the torque converter. Now I can't get the damn thing bolted back on.

HELP PLEASE!

I'm doing this in my garage on the floor.

[Mike W.]

Stop!!!

Dollars to doughnuts you don't have the torque converter all the way on. If you try longer bolts, you can snug it up, but crush the tranny oil pump in the process severely damaging the tranny. Take the tranny out, then remove and reinstall the torque converter. The first set of splines is easy. The second set of splines is easy. The third step where you have to get the notch in the oil pump is the tough one. It may take a number of tries, but once you get it, you will get it in that last half inch you need. Than figure out a way to secure it so it doesn't slide off when you're putting it in.

Many, many autos have been destroyed by not getting the TC seated, here and elsewhere. A neighbor of mine does a ton of side work and had one customer who killed 3 trannys not doing it the right way before they had him do it.

[asanjuan]

Thank you!
So, do I put the torque converter in the tranny first?

[demetk]

You bolted the torque converter to the engine first right? I'm pretty sure there are youtube vids on installing an automatic tranny. You may have already damaged the torque converter seal and/or the oil pump. Hopefully you have another car to drive while you step back, regroup, and take the time to figure it out.

[Mike W.]

Thank you!
So, do I put the torque converter in the tranny first?

Removing an auto transmission the converter can stay bolted into the back of the motor, but on install it has to mount to the trans first, then it bolt up to the flex plate.

I believe it has two stages to fit or seat it.

Above is correct, except there are 3 stages. You'll never get it in and working if you try it with the TC attached to the flywheel to start with.

[tn535i]

All of the above more or less. I recall three steps till it fully seats and it is a real pain to get to the final step. Then IMO you really need to make some sort of little bracket like clip or something to hold the torque converter in place while you bring it up to the engine. I did that using that little vent/inspection hole in the bottom and I bet the factory probably has a hold in tool that fits in from there. Without this I had trouble moving the trans in place without the torque converter coming out of place. I think 2-3 tries before I decided there had to be an easier way and made my clip.