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| Torque Converter
Operation. The concept of a torque converter was developed from the original fluid flywheel. This consists of an impeller, fixed to the engine drive plate and a turbine fixed to the transmission input shaft. (Fig. 1) |
Click to enlarge
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| With the addition of a stator (Fig. 2),
situated between the impeller and the turbine and fixed to a
stationary shaft on the front of the transmission it now becomes a
torque converter. Torque converter operation is as follows. Fluid is forced in a spiral motion from the impeller (drive unit) to the turbine (driven unit). Along the way, the fluid is deflected from the vanes of the stator, which allows for torque multiplication. The stator is fixed until torque multiplication is complete. Torque multiplication can be up to 2 times or more. ... |
 Fig 2 ... |
| Torque Converter Clutch
Operation. In any torque converter, while at its most efficient, there is always approx. 10% slippage resulting in reduced fuel economy. With the addition of a torque converter with a lock up clutch plate (Fig. 3), this slippage is eliminated when the vehicle is at cruising speed. The lock up clutch is automatically disengaged when the brake pedal is applied or when the throttle is depressed. |
... Fig 3 ... |
