Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Loose converter bolts.....again!!

[.44 mag]

I had my transmission worked on a few months ago at a shop. They installed a Suncoast converter and flexplate with the reworked transmission. After about 2000 miles, the converter bolts came loose and were allowing the converter and flexplate to rattle back and forth. I didn't notice this until I pulled off the highway after a 4 hour run, by then the holes in the flxplate had opened up to a point that replacement was in order. I tightened them up on the side of the road and finished the trip home. The shop that did the work initially installed another flexplate at no charge.



Now... the thing is, I drive the truck 300 miles and the bolts are lose and knocking again!! Has anyone had a similar problem?? I'd like to know if any of you have had your converter bolts come loose and what the particulars were. This time I caught it sooner before as much damage had occurred. I retorqued the bolts myself to 40ftlbs and they all needed to spin anywhere from 3/4 to 1. 5 turns to achieve that amount.



Thanks,



Hank

 

[Graphic man]

Put blue loc-tite on them let it set over night and your good to go.





Scott

 

[redfuelrules]

I had the same problem. I installed my suncoast converter and flexplate myself and used plenty of blue loctite. Torqued to 35 or whatever it said in the FSM. Yesterday - 8k later - they've loosened up. Started hearing a clicking noise yesterday. Pulled the inspection plates today and one bolt head was sheered off & rattling around. One other one was loose. Gotta drop the transmission tomorrow to remove the sheared bolt. I blame myself for not cleaning the torque converter bolts with brake cleaner before putting loctite on them and torquing them down...

 

[Nate]

I would use Red Loctite. I've never had much luck with Blue loctite.

 

[P Pacatang]

I always use red loctite on flywheel bolts and torque converter bolts, and I have never had any problems with bolts comming loose.