Loud torque converter question.. - Diesel Forum

lbuster · 03-09-2005, 01:33 PM

I read somewhere on one of these posts about your torque converter sounding like it is a "can full of marbles" while at low rpm, specially at idle. The post said that FMC had a service bullitin out to replace the TC. I have a 99 7.3 and the TC sounds terrible. Seems to work fine but loud. Will FMC do this upgrade for free or is it limited to the original warranty? If not, what suggestions do you guys have for a TC replacement or is it just a rebuild of the one I have?

Another question - how do I tell if I have an early or late 99? I was "told" it was a 99.5.

Thanks in advance.
LB

DZacc · 03-09-2005, 02:21 PM

If your turbo sounds like a can of marbles, park it before it leaves you stranded. The can of marbles sound pertains to your torque converter. The early 99's have the TC that sounds like it rattles and scrapes. Is the turbo noise you are hearing a high pitched whine? If so, that is normal.

lbuster · 03-09-2005, 02:51 PM

You gotta pardon my ignorance and fleeing memory. I absolutely meant to say TC...not turbo. Yep the turbo is whinning normally but the TC is loud. My bad. Now let me have it. What about the SB from FMC?

LB

fordmastertech · 03-09-2005, 05:33 PM

The torque converter would have been able to be replaced under the basic bumper to bumper 3 year 36k warranty no matter who owns the vehicle at the time. The PSD 5 year 100K warranty will not cover this. The 99s have this noisy converter problem. There are many options when it comes to torque converters but I will let someone else who is more knowledgeable in the after market converters explain this.

DieselRay · 03-09-2005, 05:55 PM

Heres the TSB (or at least the old one)

99-3-5 - Noisy T/C*

Problem - Some 1999 F-series with the 4R100 transmission may exhibit a rattle/scraping noise in the converter housing area of the transmission case.

Action - To diagnose, place gear selector in park and using a break out box, ground pin 54 (TCC). This will fully apply the torque converter clutch. Cycle the torque converter clutch on and off a few times by applying and removing the ground to pin 54. If the rattle/scraping noise is not present when the converter clutch is applied (pin 54 grounded), replace torque converter.

Affected Vehicles - 1999 F-Series Super Duty, 7.3 DIT, 4R100 and 1998-1999 E-Series built after 1/5/98. Some 1999 F-series 250HD/350/450/550 Super Duty and 1998/1999 Econoline Series (built after 1/5/98) and equipped with 7.3l diesel

Parts - Updated Converter: XL3Z-7902-DARM

Tough_Guy · 03-09-2005, 09:34 PM

You can do several things to correct the problem...

1] replace the TC with a factory TC a fine choice if you are not planning any big power mods or do not tow...

2] replace the TC with the new Torque-Shift TC this will require a bell housing spacer but is a better TC than option #1 if you tow or will add power mods.

3] replace the TC with any aftermarket brand such as Precision, Suncoast or ATS they are a triple lock TC with lots of growing room for power.

#1 will be the cheapest and easiest, #2 will cost a little more but much stronger, and you guessed it #3 is the most expensive but also the toughest...

I opted for #2 and have over 3000 miles on it now and absolutely love it. Cost was around $500 this was having a shop do the work and service the tranny and replace the front pump seal too. If you "click" my gallery you will see all parts needed to do the job there...

Cheers