Advice needed - torque converter

[franjo_66]

Well I had a bit of bad luck today. Torque converter has split in two. Mine is the aluminum version, and I am sceptical as to whether it can be repaired. Am I able to use the later steel version ?

My car is a 1965 build 230SL. Chassis number is 113-042-22-009057

I see that adsitco sell rebuilt ones, but don't specify if they are aluminum or steel.

Any advice as to whether I can use the steel version or otherwise is appreciated

Regards
Frank

[Benz Dr.]

I'm pretty sure they're different and you have to use like for like. It's rare that it would split in two like that.

[ja17]

Hello,

Seems to me that some of the aluminum converters used a four bolt hook up to the engine flywheel flex plate and the steel ones used a six bolt hook up. If this is the case, a steel converter would definitely not even bolt up. A good used aluminum converter could be an option?

[franjo_66]

Thanks for confirming Dan & Joe.

I couldn't believe how that converter split like that. It was as though it was precision cut with a steel lathe !

Will get a rebuilt aluminium converter and hopefully that will be it. Auto had always performed perfectly, and there was never any debris or shavings in the fluid when doing a service. In fact fluid always looked clean.

Oh well, these things happen I guess

Reds
Frank

[stickandrudderman]

The aluminium ones are well known for failing. The steel ones are a direct replacement IF you have the same bolt pattern. If not you can swap the flex plate to take the steel converter.

[franjo_66]

Hi stick, yes I think the aluminum converters came in an early 4 bolt version and then the 6 bolt version. The steel converters were all 6 bolt versions.

So if I am understanding this correctly, I can use the steel version if I have the aluminum 6 bolt converter, otherwise I need to get the matching flex plate as well if I have the 4 bolt version

Thanks for the heads up

Regards
Frank

[ja17]

Also be aware that there are riveted hub steel converters and the later welded hub converters which are interchangeable.  The welded hub steel converters never leak.

[Shvegel]

Joe mentioned the riveted hub steel converter. If you do get one where the snout is riveted to the body have the seam and around the rivets welded. I only had to pull my transmission 3 times to learn that.

[franjo_66]

Guys, thanks for all the advice and tips.  It is much appreciated!

Reds
Franjo