Fluid Couplings and

Torque Converters

Chapter 5

Classroom Manual

Introduction

Engine and Transmission needs to be automatically coupled and uncoupledUses Torque Converter to multiply torque and transmit powerComponents ImpellerTurbineStator

Fluid Coupling

Fluid travels either in a rotary or vortex motion

Impeller turns Tubine

Impeller

Turbine

Fluid drives turbine at an angle

Difference in speed creates a turbulence

Components

Flexplate drives T.C.Torque Converter Hub drives oil pumpImpeller drives TurbineTurbine drives input shaftInput shaft drives Clutch Hub

Vanes are curved to accelerate fluid flow

Rear Wheel Drive

Input shaft directly connects to turbine with splines

Input shaft is usually hollow for lock up operation

Front Wheel Drive

Turbine Shaft drives Input Shaft

Stator Operation

•Stator assembly mounts on One-way clutch.•Stator multiplies torque•At 90% speed ratio, the statorrotates same speed as turbine and impeller and “coupling phase”occurs.

Pg 90C

Early Converter were repairable

Older converters had drains

One Way Clutch

Chrysler TCC

Page 94C

Release pressure disengages clutch plateVenting pressure causes lock up

Ford Lock Up

Clutch Piston hub splines directly tothe turbine

GM TCC

First used in 1980, Applied by TCC Solenoid

Vane curvature controls amount of multiplication

Converter Operation

Stator redirects fluid back into impeller to multiply force

More torque happens at lower rpms.

At higher rpm, components equalize