TC's and manual trans (was: Re: Smooth strategy)

[Clarence L.Snyder]

Gary Derian wrote:
> 
> I am defining a torque converter as a device that multiplies torque.  If
> there are only 2 elements, where does the torque multiplication come from?
> If one element is attached to the engine and the second element is attached
> to the transmission, there is no way the second element can have more torque
> than the first.  This two element thing you are describing may be a very
> nice device and it may have been called a torque converter but it cannot
> multiply torque.  For that, you need a reaction member.
> 
> I never took auto mechanics in high school.
> 
> Gary Derian <gderian at cybergate.net>
> 
> >Gary Derian wrote:
> >>
> >> A torque converter must have at least three elements.  The extra torque
> >> comes from the reaction at the stator.  Its the hydraulic equivalent to a
> >> lever and fulcrum where the extra force comes from the fulcrum.  A torque
> >> converter is not more efficient than a fluid coupling but it does
> multiply
> >> torque when it is slipping adding an extra gear for starts.  At low
> slippage
> >> (cruise conditions) the stator freewheels and a torque converter reverts
> to
> >> a fluid coupling.  A 4 or 5 element converter would be the equivalent of
> a
> >> compound lever.
> >
> >Reference Wm Crouse - Automotive mechanics- fifth edition - Webster/Mc
> >Graw Hill.
> >Torque converters with only 2 elements DID exist. The definitive
> >difference between a fluid coupling and a TC is the shape of the vanes.
> >Note, a 3 element fluid coupling also existed.
> >
> >You took auto mechanics in high school - I taught it :}
	Compared to a straight vane fluid coupling, it did a wonderful job
-redirected SOME of the oil back onto the turbine instead of colliding
with the pump. I always considered only the 3 element or more as torque
converters too, but the fact remains, two element "torque converters"
did exist - however few.