Torque Converter

The torque converter is of welded construction and is serviced as an assembly. The unit consists of a pump or driving member, a turbine or driven member and a stator assembly.

With the engine running, the converter pump sets the oil within the converter into motion and directs it to the turbine, causing the turbine and shaft to rotate. As the oil passes through the turbine, it is traveling in such a direction that it would hit the rear of the converter pump blades and impede its pumping action. So at low speeds, the oil is redirected by the stator to the converter pump in such a manner that it actually assists the converter pump to deliver power, or multiply engine torque. At stall, or standstill, the torque multiplication is a ratio of approximately two to one.

As turbine speed-and accordingly vehicle speed-increases, the direction of the oil leaving the turbine changes and flows against the rear side of the stator vanes. Since the stator is now hindering the smooth flow of oil, its roller clutch releases and the stator revolves freely on its shaft.

Once the stator becomes inactive, there is no further torque multiplication within the converter and the converter becomes a fluid coupling as both pump and turbine are being driven at the same speed.