Questions & Concerns Regarding ATS Triple-Lok

[dramer]

We at ATS have had some calls regarding concerns on the Triple-Loc torque converter. This post should help clear up any questions or concerns that we need to address. The torque converter is using the same technology that all automatic transmissions use and have used from the inception. All of the internal clutch packs use fiber clutch plates with steel plates. The concept is hydraulic pressure applies pressure to engage the fiber clutch disks.
The questions have been do the clutches drag when not applied. There is many different ways to relax the clutch piston to release the piston pressure from the clutch drum. The piston can have springs that push back the piston when fluid pressure is not applying it.
The other way is to use balance oil to float the piston back. The first 400 cycles of a fluid soaked clutch is called compaction this process compacts the clutch lining. From most people that look at this they would think that the clutch is rubbed or dragged. Once this clutch seasons it becomes flat and smooth depending on the friction compound. The clutch then has constant fluid between each disk this would be like trapping fluid under a piece of glass.
It will not make contact until the oil can be relieved from the surface. This is the same concept that a hydraulic cylinder uses. The oil on the backside has to be exhausted for the piston to move. Pressure can’t be applied with oil trapped on the backside. (This also keeps the clutches from being dragged). It keeps the friction lubricated and cool. So the compound of the clutch & surface finish is the combination that has to be correct. This is getting into the coefficient of friction this will be addressed on the next post.

Don Ramer
ATS Diesel Performance
The Home Of The Triple-Lok

WWW.Dieseltorqueconverters.com