Fluid Couplings

and
Torque Converters
Chapter 5
Classroom Manual

Introduction
Engine and Transmission needs to be
automatically coupled and uncoupled
Uses Torque Converter to multiply
torque and transmit power
Components
Impeller
Turbine
Stator

Fluid Coupling

Fluid travels either in a rotary or vortex motion

Impeller turns Tubine

Turbine
Impeller

Fluid drives turbine at

an angle

Difference in speed
creates a turbulence

Components
Flexplate drives T.C.
Torque Converter
Hub drives oil pump
Impeller drives
Turbine
Turbine drives input
shaft
Input 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 stator
rotates 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

Release pressure disengages clutch plate

Venting pressure causes lock up
Page 94C

Ford Lock Up

Clutch Piston hub splines directly to

the 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