The Ford Barn

JT1930 · 03-12-2026, 11:43 AM

Just want to know on a ford-o-matic/merc-o-matic torque converter. Is there a one way reassembly of the plate and cover? Or are both pieces balanced separate and neutral.

I planned on marking the converter before opening it to replace o-ring seals but like an idiot I didn’t.

JT1930 · 03-12-2026, 10:13 PM

Delete.

Y block fb group helped.

rotorwrench · 03-14-2026, 07:59 PM

The air cooled torque converters would likely be balanced separately. External crankshaft balancing was not as common in the 50s & 60s. It's usually used on cranks with smaller counter balance weight characteristics. The unit was probably empty for balance purposes. The ATF will find a rotational equilibrium during operation once it builds idle rpm. I'd have to check my FOM books for further assembly info. If there are no weights attached the it could likely be assembled in any possible configuration.

JT1930 · 03-19-2026, 07:36 AM

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Converter has dots or “0” to line up on plate and cover of converter.

03-12-2026, 11:43 AM	#1
JT1930 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Glocester, Rhode Island Posts: 100	People who are familiar with fordomatic Just want to know on a ford-o-matic/merc-o-matic torque converter. Is there a one way reassembly of the plate and cover? Or are both pieces balanced separate and neutral. I planned on marking the converter before opening it to replace o-ring seals but like an idiot I didn’t.

03-12-2026, 10:13 PM	#2
JT1930 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Glocester, Rhode Island Posts: 100	Re: People who are familiar with fordomatic Delete. Y block fb group helped.

03-14-2026, 07:59 PM	#3
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,006	Re: People who are familiar with fordomatic The air cooled torque converters would likely be balanced separately. External crankshaft balancing was not as common in the 50s & 60s. It's usually used on cranks with smaller counter balance weight characteristics. The unit was probably empty for balance purposes. The ATF will find a rotational equilibrium during operation once it builds idle rpm. I'd have to check my FOM books for further assembly info. If there are no weights attached the it could likely be assembled in any possible configuration.

03-19-2026, 07:36 AM	#4
JT1930 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Glocester, Rhode Island Posts: 100	Re: People who are familiar with fordomatic Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Converter has dots or “0” to line up on plate and cover of converter.