* Torque converter question *

4.0 OHC V6. Lately I`ve noticed a strange sound coming from the engine/tranny area during acceleration when the engine is cold. I also noticed that it only occurs when the torque converter unlocks during acceleration. If I`m moving 30mph or so and step on the go pedal to accelerate moderately, and the torque converter stays locked up, everything sounds normal. But if I open the throttle far enough so the torque converter unlocks, I hear a rather loud clattering sound that`s hard to describe. Almost sounds like a loose valve train, or something metallic rattling. Also, the noise goes away completely once the drive train is warmed up. Starting from a dead stop, the noise doesn`t occur until I`m traveling about 30 mph or so, then it`s steady until the torque converter locks up. Anyone here have a clue what it might be? Henry

Just 1 thought I`ve and that is that on the GM`s the torque convertor stubbornly does not lock up when cold only when precisely warm. In my experience when GMs utterly have their `unlock` failure it only hapens when warm because of this. If Ford is the same are you sure the converter is comparatively locking/unlocking at the cold temp you are finding the problem at. "Henry H. Hansteen"

what kind of auto is this.your are correct torque convert has a clutch centrifical type clutch expands out toward the front of you car under oil pressure.on G.M transmissions lockout can accure after shift out of first to second at any time.if this transmission is a 4t60 or 4t60-e torque converter is controlled by E.C.M eeprom chip. dodge caravan and plymouth voyager are noted for clunk clunk going down road noise comming out of torque converter.also G.M lock out is delayed in cold weather on purpose its part of the program.so engine does not stall while warming up.like my theroy is why waste gas idling.engine will warmer faster under load.to prove this warm up car first tranny lock out will happen right after first shift and at any time.i have a 91 olds delta 88 and a 91 chevy lumina both with 4t60 and he chevy has a 4t60-e thats way the shift had both cars 3 years.anything colder than 32 degrees torque converters are delayed until engine warms to 198 degrees.engine temp sensor controls determind which command is when ever.change torque converter go for a full saturday.