Hello,

I'm new to the forums here. Thanks in advance for taking time to read and hopefully help me out.

I'm in the middle of replacing the engine in my 2000 Camry. The old engine is out and I'm about ready to drop the new one in. My question is this. Can I bolt up the torque converter up once the engine is back in, or do I bolt it back on the flywheel before re-installing. Also, is there any issues with lining it up properly? Forgive me for my ignorance here, definite shade tree mechanic here.

 

You pulled the engine without removing the trans?

The procedure is to bolt on the trans drive (flex) plate (61 ft lbs). The torque converter is then bolted to the drive plate via the opening in the bell housing. Plus to install and tighten the black torque converter to drive plate bolt first (20 ft lbs). Toyota states to use thread locking on the bolts.

If you drained the torque converter of trans fluid, refill prior to installing it on the trans. The torque converter will not self prime!

The torque converter also the trans oil pump via the outer hollow shaft. The converter and pump are coupled with a tang and groove system. When installing the converter onto the trans output shaft. BE SURE the converter oil pump drive shaft is fully engaged with the trans fluid pump driveshaft.

It has happened the tang and groove were not mated. The result is the converter extends very slightly out of the trans bell housing. When the trans is bolted to the engine the torque converter shaft hits the fluid pump shaft and pushed the fluid pump into the trans housing damaging it.

Install the converter and rotate it until the pump shafts mate and the converter moves slightly more backward towards the trans.