"Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MacAttack · 01-05-2009, 11:33 AM

That’s what my kid was telling me as we tried to mount the TH350 on the ‘283’ and I made and amateur’s mistake. Used longer bolts (1.5") to draw the transmission on to the motor, without making sure the torque converter was seated all the way.

About 30 seconds after he said that: PING!

Broke the aluminum casting right at the passenger side thrust pin. It took out the bolt hole above it and cracked half-way through the pin hole, in a piece about 3" long and 1" deep into the bell housing.

Taking it to the welder Wednesday afternoon to see if he can save it.

Happy New Year.

STOCKISH · 01-05-2009, 12:09 PM

I've had them welded before. Never had a problem with them afterwards.

MacAttack · 01-05-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

I've had them welded before. Never had a problem with them afterwards.

Well, that’s promising. This welder I know could weld two pieces of wood together - so maybe it’ll turn out okay. Bonehead move on my part - trying to hurry too much - without a plan. Dumb.

jchav62 · 01-05-2009, 12:47 PM

That sucks. I've made plenty mistakes because I was in a hurry. I had a friend do the same thing you did. He didn't even have it welded, he just lined in back up and bolted up the good holes. Drove it like that for awhile.... I wouldn't recommend that though.

Good luck!

MacAttack · 01-05-2009, 06:32 PM

Talked with Mark, my welder, at lunch. He called me a schmuck and then said he welds them up all the time for guys that do econo-drag-racing. I’ll take it to him Wednesday and have it back in time for our Saturday secession. Hopefully I didn’t put to much bolt pressure on the front of the pump housing down inside.

joe231 · 01-05-2009, 11:13 PM

ouch!!

*LILRED66* · 01-06-2009, 01:37 AM

The aluminum Powerglides did this frequently, so don't beat yourself up too much. Let us know how things turn out.

68K20 x Drill · 01-06-2009, 05:59 AM

Better check or replace the pump as well

krue · 01-06-2009, 07:10 AM

I've seen it happen, but I'm paranoid about it myself so I've managed to avoid.

72freak · 01-06-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacAttack

Well, that’s promising. This welder I know could weld two pieces of wood together - so maybe it’ll turn out okay. Bonehead move on my part - trying to hurry too much - without a plan. Dumb.

LOL.....I got a good giglle out of that!!!

MacAttack · 01-06-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68K20 x Drill

Better check or replace the pump as well

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

**scotts62** · 01-06-2009, 11:26 AM

yeah that sucks, me and a buddy of mine were putting an engine/trans in his truck and we broke an ear bolt hole off the trans on the side.. its still in there to this day

MacAttack · 01-07-2009, 02:52 PM

Stopped by the transmission guy last night and said, "Dude."

And he said "Dude." Then I told him my Bozo-the-Clown dilemma and after he stopped laughing he said, "Dude, you’ve got to bring it in for me to look at when the welder’s finished."

And I said "Dude."

Mac.

protrash64 · 01-07-2009, 03:05 PM

If you have it apart, verify that the shaft will fit the torque convertor. If it hassles you going together then you know its an alignment issue. You probably thought of this, but Id figure Id throw it out there anyway.

v8blaze · 01-07-2009, 04:58 PM

anything to do with a trans and hurry ends terrible. I blew a 700r and was swapping to a built th350 and was trying to do the swap as quickly as possible. Its easier to pull the engine and trans as an assembly and seperate them for my truck *s10 with a v8* than to fight getting to bolts. And we unbolted the trans and went to pull it off, while leaving the convertor bolted to the engine. Well we pulled and pulled, and it wouldnt budge, then realized we didnt take off the inspection cover

and bent a 90 dollar flywheel that had about 50 miles on it.

MacAttack · 01-07-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by protrash64

If you have it apart, verify that the shaft will fit the torque convertor. If it hassles you going together then you know its an alignment issue. You probably thought of this, but Id figure Id throw it out there anyway.

I didn't (of course), but my tranny guy did - told me not to deliver the TH350 without it. Thanks.

Mac.

MacAttack · 01-07-2009, 06:45 PM

Welder's got the transmission - might get it back at lunch tomorrow - will take it and the converter directly from there to the tranny doctor. Might get it back Friday night so I can screw it up again (I mean install it - perfectly) Saturday morning.

Thanks for the input guys.

Mac.

MacAttack · 01-07-2009, 06:53 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a.../t-301365.html

If I'd only actually read and followed the directions. Let this be a lesson to you all.

Mac.

thunderkiss65 · 01-08-2009, 09:11 PM

Dont feel bad. I've done this myself. Haven't since though. Think about this when you put in another tranny and this wont happen

MacAttack · 01-09-2009, 05:07 PM

Okay kids, the TH350 is at the transmission shop.

Shop dude says they're going to pull the pump anyway - so it should be good when he finishes. The welder guy left the inside of the bell housing covered in aluminum dust cause his compressor died, but shop dude says don't sweat it.

The welding is perfect - with nice beads, inside and out and he also reamed out the thrust pin hole. Now we'll shoot for square one again - in a couple of days.

Mac.

MylilBowTie · 01-09-2009, 08:11 PM

Sounds like a good deal. I bet we need not remind you to always check the torque convert.

I've been one of the lucky ones also. Had everything set just right then the trans shifted a little. Had to wiggle the trans back into place. Never once thought to recheck the convertor. Start tightening the bellhousing bolts up. One started to get a little tight to soon then snap goes the bellhousing.

I don't know anyone that welds aluminum so I left it like it was. I have yet to have a problem out of it.

What could damage the front pump? I've always heard that it could but never knew the reason why.

MacAttack · 01-12-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MylilBowTie

What could damage the front pump? I've always heard that it could but never knew the reason why.

I have no idea, but a 3/8-16 bolt tightened enough to crack the flange off a bell housing more-than-likely put enough end pressure on the pump to possibly break something inside (it flew about ten feet from the engine). That’s why I went to my tranny guy prior to the welder - just to get his perspective and considering I’ve been using him since the late 80’s, I really doubt he’s going to try to rip me off. This work is more insurance than anything and peace of mind for me.

Mac.

MacAttack · 01-13-2009, 01:46 PM

Pictures of my brilliant deed.

protrash64 · 01-13-2009, 01:59 PM

WOW!! Maybe a few cups of coffee less on the next install

.

MacAttack · 01-13-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by protrash64

WOW!!

.

That's N/S! And that is EXACTLY what happened.

Some work is best done after lunch and a few beers.

Mac.

Transmission guy just called - ready for p/u after work today.

01-05-2009, 11:33 AM	#1
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	"Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! That’s what my kid was telling me as we tried to mount the TH350 on the ‘283’ and I made and amateur’s mistake. Used longer bolts (1.5") to draw the transmission on to the motor, without making sure the torque converter was seated all the way. About 30 seconds after he said that: PING! Broke the aluminum casting right at the passenger side thrust pin. It took out the bolt hole above it and cracked half-way through the pin hole, in a piece about 3" long and 1" deep into the bell housing. Taking it to the welder Wednesday afternoon to see if he can save it. Happy New Year. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

01-05-2009, 12:09 PM	#2
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! I've had them welded before. Never had a problem with them afterwards. __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

01-05-2009, 12:47 PM	#4
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! That sucks. I've made plenty mistakes because I was in a hurry. I had a friend do the same thing you did. He didn't even have it welded, he just lined in back up and bolted up the good holes. Drove it like that for awhile.... I wouldn't recommend that though. Good luck! __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

01-05-2009, 06:32 PM	#5
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! Talked with Mark, my welder, at lunch. He called me a schmuck and then said he welds them up all the time for guys that do econo-drag-racing. I’ll take it to him Wednesday and have it back in time for our Saturday secession. Hopefully I didn’t put to much bolt pressure on the front of the pump housing down inside. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

01-05-2009, 11:13 PM	#6
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! ouch!! __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

01-06-2009, 01:37 AM	#7
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! The aluminum Powerglides did this frequently, so don't beat yourself up too much. Let us know how things turn out.

01-06-2009, 05:59 AM	#8
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! Better check or replace the pump as well __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

01-06-2009, 07:10 AM	#9
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! I've seen it happen, but I'm paranoid about it myself so I've managed to avoid. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

01-06-2009, 11:26 AM	#12
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,243	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! yeah that sucks, me and a buddy of mine were putting an engine/trans in his truck and we broke an ear bolt hole off the trans on the side.. its still in there to this day __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

01-07-2009, 02:52 PM	#13
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! Stopped by the transmission guy last night and said, "Dude." And he said "Dude." Then I told him my Bozo-the-Clown dilemma and after he stopped laughing he said, "Dude, you’ve got to bring it in for me to look at when the welder’s finished." And I said "Dude." Mac. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

01-07-2009, 03:05 PM	#14
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,520	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! If you have it apart, verify that the shaft will fit the torque convertor. If it hassles you going together then you know its an alignment issue. You probably thought of this, but Id figure Id throw it out there anyway. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

01-07-2009, 04:58 PM	#15
v8blaze Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: baton rouge, LA Posts: 77	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! anything to do with a trans and hurry ends terrible. I blew a 700r and was swapping to a built th350 and was trying to do the swap as quickly as possible. Its easier to pull the engine and trans as an assembly and seperate them for my truck s10 with a v8 than to fight getting to bolts. And we unbolted the trans and went to pull it off, while leaving the convertor bolted to the engine. Well we pulled and pulled, and it wouldnt budge, then realized we didnt take off the inspection cover and bent a 90 dollar flywheel that had about 50 miles on it. Last edited by v8blaze; 01-07-2009 at 04:58 PM.

01-07-2009, 06:45 PM	#17
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! Welder's got the transmission - might get it back at lunch tomorrow - will take it and the converter directly from there to the tranny doctor. Might get it back Friday night so I can screw it up again (I mean install it - perfectly) Saturday morning. Thanks for the input guys. Mac. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

01-07-2009, 06:53 PM	#18
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a.../t-301365.html If I'd only actually read and followed the directions. Let this be a lesson to you all. Mac. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

01-08-2009, 09:11 PM	#19
thunderkiss65 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: west monroe, louisiana Posts: 14	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! Dont feel bad. I've done this myself. Haven't since though. Think about this when you put in another tranny and this wont happen



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01-09-2009, 05:07 PM	#20
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! Okay kids, the TH350 is at the transmission shop. Shop dude says they're going to pull the pump anyway - so it should be good when he finishes. The welder guy left the inside of the bell housing covered in aluminum dust cause his compressor died, but shop dude says don't sweat it. The welding is perfect - with nice beads, inside and out and he also reamed out the thrust pin hole. Now we'll shoot for square one again - in a couple of days. Mac. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise. Last edited by MacAttack; 01-09-2009 at 05:07 PM.

01-09-2009, 08:11 PM	#21
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! Sounds like a good deal. I bet we need not remind you to always check the torque convert. I've been one of the lucky ones also. Had everything set just right then the trans shifted a little. Had to wiggle the trans back into place. Never once thought to recheck the convertor. Start tightening the bellhousing bolts up. One started to get a little tight to soon then snap goes the bellhousing. I don't know anyone that welds aluminum so I left it like it was. I have yet to have a problem out of it. What could damage the front pump? I've always heard that it could but never knew the reason why. __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI

01-13-2009, 01:46 PM	#23
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! Pictures of my brilliant deed. Attached Images __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

01-13-2009, 01:59 PM	#24
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,520	Re: "Don’t tighten it any more - it’s going to crack"! WOW!! Maybe a few cups of coffee less on the next install. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

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