> Once you attain a constant cruising speed the torque converter locks
> up to prevent any slippage and power/mileage loss. Standard on most
> new vehicles. A torque converter is BASICALLY 2 fans back to back and
> encased in trans fluid. One fan connected to the motor the other to
> the rear wheels through the transmission. When the motor fan spins
> fast enough it induces the second fan to spin and move the car.
> Obviouslythe second fan wont spin as fast, hence slippage. Once up to
> speed the 2 fans lock together to elimate the slip.
> And finally, new motors have much tighter clearances and can maintain
> good pressure with lighter oils. You will actually make more
> horsepower with lighter oil. Stick to 10w30 UNLESS you live in the
> Arizona desert!
Everything is true I think except for the 2 fans locking together. From
memory there is a clutch disc internal to the torque converter that
actually locks.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:08:14 EDT