i have a 1986 4runner that i just recently put a motor into im trying to bolt the flex plate to the torque converter. Now the only way to do this is to go through the starter hole but when i spin the flex plate i can see the holes but there off at an angle and i cant even get the bolt in there. Wondering if anyone else has had this problem and how they resolved it? Im scared of dropping one of the bolts down in there then i would have to separate the motor from the tranny.



Ps: why couldn't toyota make a dust pan like a chevy it would make life a lot easier.

 

You don't have the rubber mud plug / inspection cover at the bottom of the plate between the engine and the transmission / bell housing, where the flexplate goes below the oil pan?

 

no i haven't seen anything rubber where your talking about. Maybe because its a motor from a 93 pickup 22re?

 

my 91 has it. maybe the 93 you have came from a manual?
anyways, no matter.

You're going to have to find a way to very carefully spin the converter so the bolts line up with the holes. You may be able to use a long / flat screwdriver. If you can't get the TC to turn, you'll need to separate the engine and transmission.

And FWIW- this is why I recommend separating the engine from the trans, leaving the TC on the engine, then bolting the TC to the engine before installing.

 

Really? I've heard that can ruin the TC seal, no? Plus its easy to reach the TC bolts one at a time through the opening at the bottom of the bell housing (after removing the dust cover thingy). Plus it makes a hell of a mess having ATF dripping all over the place (ask me how I know that)

 

A good engine hoist that lets you tilt the engine fore / aft will let you get the units together / apart with ease, though I do agree the fluid mess is a mess but if you drain the trans beforehand, there's not much mess and a catch pan fits under the bellhousing.

Besides, the OP doesn't have the inspection cover.

it's all good.

 

You should have a cover that looks something like this one. Removing it gives you access to the TC bolts one at a time (just rotate the engine by the crank bolt, clockwise.

 

That's different than my 91- it's just an oval cut-out with a rubber plug.

 

the problem is that the plate that is in that picture is one piece and i already have the bell housing bolts in! i did find another hole on the bottom like you guys were talking about but i would have to remove oil pan and front pumpkin to get in there.

 

That shouldn't matter, or it didn't with mine anyway. Yeah you have to use a flat wrench, a socket won't fit in there.

 

ya i know that the problem is i dont think i can get my hand in there to start the bolt.

 

anyone know if they sell a plug for that bottom acess hole?

 

LOL... why?

 

WHAT PUMPKIN?

 

front differential is a pumpkin buddy. and i wanted a plug cause i dont want crap getting in there