Allison

World Transmission
Torque Converter
Operation
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Operational Overview
LOCKUP TURBINE PUMP
CLUTCH

STATOR

Allison World Transmission Service Training

1A
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Operational Overview

Torque converter provides a hydro-mechanical

coupling between engine and transmission.

Four major components are Pump, Stator, Turbine,

Lockup Clutch.
Pump – rotates at engine speed.
Turbine – splined to transmission turbine shaft.
Stator – redirects fluid back to the converter pump.
Lockup Clutch – provides mechanical 1:1 coupling
between engine and transmission.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

1B
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Stator Operation

Allison World Transmission Service Training

2A
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Stator Operation

Rollers, springs and pockets create a one-way

clutch that provides locking and freewheeling.

If fluid strikes the front of the stator blades, the

stator tries to rotate counterclockwise and locks.

If fluid strikes the back of the stator blades, the

stator rotates clockwise.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

2B
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Vortex Flow

Allison World Transmission Service Training

3A
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Vortex Flow

Occurs when the stator is locked.

Fluid is directed from the pump to the turbine

(turbine stalled).

Fluid exits turbine and strikes front faces of

stator blades.

Locked stator directs fluid back to the

pump at an accelerated rate.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

3B
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Rotary Flow

Allison World Transmission Service Training

4A
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Rotary Flow

Occurs when the stator is freewheeling.

As the turbine rotates, fluid strikes the backs of the

stator blades.

Fluid flow through the stator becomes smoother

and slowly stops (eliminating torque increase).

Allison World Transmission Service Training

4B
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Lockup Clutch
COVER PISTON BACKING TORQUE
CLUTCH PLATE CONVERTER
DISC

Allison World Transmission Service Training

5A
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Lockup Clutch

Backing Plate – in front of turbine, bolted to front

cover, rotates at engine speed.

Torsional Damper/Lockup Clutch Plate – next to the

backing plate and splined to the turbine.

Lockup Clutch Piston – splined to the front cover

and rotates at engine speed.

Fluid between the cover and piston forces the

clutch disc against the backing plate.
Allison World Transmission Service Training
5B
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Stall Test

Determines whether a power complaint is engine

or transmission related.

Stall Speed – max engine rpm attainable at full

throttle, turbine stopped or “stalled.”

Use as a troubleshooting procedure only.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

6
 Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Stall Test Preparation

q Check and adjust transmission fluid level.

q Check engine fuel control linkage for proper operation.
q Check air induction system.
q Verify smoke controls are functioning properly.
q Install a tachometer (don’t rely on vehicle tach).
q Install temp gauge in converter out line.
q Chock vehicle wheels.
q Warm sump to normal (160 – 200 degrees F).
q All accessories off.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

7A
 Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Stall Test Cautions

q Keep all people clear – away from front, rear or

side of vehicle.
q Never stall test in Reverse or Low (seven-
speed models).
q Never stall longer than 30 seconds without a
cool down.
q Do not allow converter out temp to exceed 300
degrees F.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

7B
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Stall Test Procedures
Set park brake.
Start engine.
Apply service brake.
Select Drive.
Slowly accelerate while holding service brake.
Record max engine rpm when tach levels.
Slowly release throttle.
Select Neutral.
Cool down by running engine 1200-1500 rpm.
Allison World Transmission Service Training
8A
 Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Stall Test Using the ProLink
Use the ProLink to select a specific range.
With the engine running, park brake and service
brake applied, choose Clutch Test Mode under
Select Action Requests.
Place the selector in the desired range (4th is best).
Slowly accelerate to full throttle then record max rpm.
Slowly release throttle.
Select Neutral.
Cool down by running engine 1200-1500 rpm.
Allison World Transmission Service Training
8B
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Stall Testing Smoke Controlled Engines
Smoke controls and throttle delay mechanisms inhibit engine
acceleration.
May require stall testing with the vehicle moving.
Locate an isolated area.
Select a range that limits road speed
(2nd or 3rd is best – not Low).
Operate at full throttle, max governed rpm.
Slowly apply service brakes while staying at full throttle.
Record engine rpm when the vehicle comes
to a stop.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

9
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Analyzing Stall Test Results
Within 150 rpm of specifications –
Acceptable.
200 rpm or more below specifications –
Low engine power.
Engine not reaching full fuel.
Extremely low (30% or more below specifications) –
Low engine power.
Engine not reaching full fuel.
Converter stator freewheeling.
200 rpm or more above specifications –
Slipping clutches.
Incorrect fluid level.
Normal readings, high converter out temps –
Stuck stator.
Transmission or engine cooling system malfunction.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

10
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Troubleshooting a Freewheeling Stator
Symptoms –
Extremely low stall speeds.
No power at low speed, normal power at
high speed.
Elevated fluid temperatures.
No full-throttle upshifts.

Solution –
Verify that the engine is not at fault.
Remove transmission, disassemble and
repair torque converter.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

11A
 Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Troubleshooting a Stuck Stator
Symptoms –
High converter out temperature even after cool down.
Vehicle won’t reach top speed.
Transmission overheats at highway speed.

Test –
Stall test until converter out temp reaches 250-270 degrees F.
Select Neutral, run engine 1200-1500 rpm for 2-3 minutes.
If converter out temp doesn’t drop, stator may be stuck.

Solution –
Verify proper engine and transmission cooling system operation.
Remove transmission, disassemble and repair torque converter.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

11B
Allison WT Torque Converter Operation
Stall Torque Ratios
Reflects the amount of turbine shaft torque the converter
develops compared to the amount of torque the engine
develops.

Example – at 2:1 the converter can deliver twice the

engine’s torque to the transmission gearing.

Example – at 3:1 the converter can deliver three times the

engine’s torque to the transmission gearing.

Pump/turbine blade angles affect stall torque ratio.

A variety of converters are available for WT models.

Allison World Transmission Service Training

12