Torque Converter and Flexplate torque.

[74 challenge]

Hi Guys,

We are expecting some unusually warm weather here tomorrow so I bought some beers and wrangled up a few friends and I am going to throw the 360 into the car. When I take it off the engine stand I need to bolt up the weighted flex plate and then that flex plate to the torque converter.

What torque is used for the flex plate to engine bolts and the flex plate to torque converter bolts? I know to clean the threads and throw Loctite on them.

[mopar jack]

service manual shows flex plate to crankshaft bolt 55 foot pounds and flex plate to converter bolt 270 inch pounds.

[Moparal]

Maybe it is just me, but I shy away from the loctite on the plate and verter bolts. They seem to do well without them. I did have a problem once tho. And it was when I had bougt a used bigger stall converter and I believe it had ben abused before me. Like from being over tightened and pulling on the threads to much.  I used to go 60 on the plate and a built in tq wrench on my hands by using a box end wrench. Never believe I went over 20 ft lbs on the smaller verter bolts though. If you go to much, it will cut into the plate

[74 challenge]

270 inch pounds seems not much over hand tight anyways that's only 22.5 ft/lbs I think snug with a box wrench will be fine.

I don't actually own a torque wrench in inch pounds.

I have always been told the opposite, the flex plate should always be installed with locktite.

Thanks for the numbers Mopar Jack!

[mopar jack]

I agree, I always use locktite (Blue).

[moper]

I never use locktite on them, and I have always used the "till it stops, plus a good pull" method...lol.
Anyway - a quick tip: before you install the convertor in the trans, or the flex plate on the engine... Lay the flex plate on the convertor and orient it so the bolt holes line up. Then take some paint or a marker and mark over the flex plate and the convertor so the marks are easily seen on both. I like to hit it with spray paint or something that makes it crazy obvious. Then put the plate on the engine, and the convertor in the transmission making sure it seats fully in the pump. Then when you're under it and the engine is in place, you just spin the crank until the marks show, and then turn the convertor so the marks line up, and then proceed to start the bolts. I go finder tight on all four, then go back and torque them fully. If you just torque fully you may have a vibration or have a bolt or two that doesn't want to start easy.

[74 challenge]

I never use locktite on them, and I have always used the "till it stops, plus a good pull" method...lol.
Anyway - a quick tip: before you install the convertor in the trans, or the flex plate on the engine... Lay the flex plate on the convertor and orient it so the bolt holes line up. Then take some paint or a marker and mark over the flex plate and the convertor so the marks are easily seen on both. I like to hit it with spray paint or something that makes it crazy obvious. Then put the plate on the engine, and the convertor in the transmission making sure it seats fully in the pump. Then when you're under it and the engine is in place, you just spin the crank until the marks show, and then turn the convertor so the marks line up, and then proceed to start the bolts. I go finder tight on all four, then go back and torque them fully. If you just torque fully you may have a vibration or have a bolt or two that doesn't want to start easy.

thanks for the tip!

the converter is already in the trans so I was planning on bolting the plate up to the engine, spinning the converter till a bolt lines up and just tightening it all down. One of those annoying under the car jobs that take forever lol.

[Brillo1974]

Torque wrench what is that?    I have only used a torque wrench rebuilding an engine because I don't own one and borrowed one. I will be using one when I put in the 4 speed for the clutch etc in the next few months because I think I will need to make sure of the torque. I installed a flex plate and converter 2400 stall in my 74 360 this spring and used the arm torque wrench method and have had no issues with all the beating it has taken since.    Better get that thing in while you can still take it for a test drive up there. Good luck and drink the brewskis afterwards so your arm torque wrench is still accurate. 

[Chryco Psycho]

I have always used locktite , it makes no difference while torquing them up & is just an added measure of security . I am not sure locktite was even available when these cars were new

[Brillo1974]

I'm pretty sure you are right and I would use it, especially on things that are a PITA to have to go and fix afterwards.