Questions and Answers
GENERAL ISSUES section
III.1: Do I need to buy the complete standard set of equipment ? Which items are essential for successful Torque converter rebuilding ?
III.2: What equipment and tools do I need in addition to the Hydra-Torque equipment ?
III.3: What skills are needed for working on Torque Converter rebuilding equipment ?
Previous experience of working with industrial machinery will certainly contribute to easier and faster understanding of the rebuilding routine. The cut-open procedure for Torque Converters is potentially the most skilled operation and engineering experience is an advantage but not essential. The welding process is simple because the welding procedure is automated. Removing and replacing a worn-out friction lining is a skill that can be easily acquired. The entire process is covered during the hand-on training package conducted at our working facility in Kettering. Free training and introductory advice is given free of charge to our customers.
III.4: What are the gas mixture and welding wire selection for a Hydra-Torque welding stand?
Typically, 80% СО2 / 20% argon. but other mix ratios typical for use in Transmission workshops are also appropriate. The welding wire to be used is the 0.8mm diameter one.
III.5: What are the maximum dimensions for a Torque Converter to be put on the Welding stand WS 2.2?
Max diameter for the welded Converter = 460mm.
Max height of the welded Converter = 280mm.
Max diameter of the clamp in the lower chuck = 50mm.
Max diameter of the clamp in the upper chuck = 125mm.
Visit Valve Body Test equipment page
HYDRA-TEST - VALVE BODY section
II.1: Do I need to buy both a HT-VBT system and a HT-SOL machine ?
II.2: Does a Hydra-Test Valve Body test machine allow testing of mechatronic units (TCM / TCU / TEHCM)?
During the testing process the HTC-K Controller replaces the TCU by controlling solenoid operation, switching gears and reading pressure and ampere signals. When testing valve bodies that have an embedded TCU (or TEHCM as they are known) we remove the TEHCM from the testing process and use a dedicated harness. Our system is designed to prove the functionality of the valves, valve circuits and solenoids. Adding the TEHCM to this process only makes diagnosis more complicated. There are many tools on the market to prove a working TEHCM. From our experience and contrary to what some companies will have you believe, there is generally numerous versions of the same TEHCM which then frustrates us when one doesn’t communicate. Even if it is able to “shift” the valve body or transmission, when a fault is detected we then remove the TEHCM to eliminate it from the diagnosis process.
II.3: What is the difference between HT-VBT Deluxe “Single Phase - 220vac” and “3 Phase 380vac” options ?
The Deluxe model is now available to operate using a “3 Phase” (380 volt AC) electricity supply. The main advantages of this option are that the Automatic Transmission fluid can reach higher operating temperatures in a shorter time period and the electricity running costs of the machine will be significantly reduced.
II.4: Is there some guidance available on Hydra-Test products?
We live in the digital era and we use its benefits to our advantage. FaceTime, Skype, TeamViewer, WhatsApp allow many ways of receiving guidance on our Automatic Transmission testing and rebuilding machines. We also have Hydra-Test YouTube channel where we upload useful videos about our products. They include subtitles made by us and there’s also an option of instant subtitle translation feature built-in at YouTube.
We always welcome our clients and potential customers to address us with any questions and we'll work together to establish your true requirements.
II.5: What type of ATF should be used our machines ? Do viscosity differences change test results ?
II.6: There’s a Valve Body test plate or Solenoid test block that I need but it’s not included in your list. How can this be solved ?
We currently have in excess of 80 test plates for our HT-VBT Deluxe and we have more than 30 Solenoid test blocks available for HT-SOL. We have a full time development department dedicated to expanding our range. Should a customer need a particular Valve Body test plate that is crucial to their own business requirements, we will place it as a high priority on our ever expanding list of development projects.
II.7: Do I need to order all test plates and blocks with the machines or it is possible to buy additional items at a later stage ?
It is advisable to start with the most popular Automatic Transmission models and then add more plates and blocks as required or as finances allow. First of all, it will reduce the initial order lead time and make the general investment smaller. Secondly, there is some time period when the user needs to get better acquainted with the technology and operation processes. After the accustomization stage is completed and the implementation of the machines start to increase business, more test blocks and plates for less frequently seen models can be added.
II.8: Cars usually operate around 15 bar. Why does the Hydra-Test Valve Body machine test at different input pressures (System Pressure) ?
II.9: I need a Valve Body testing unit built based on my tech specifications because we develop our own products. Is it possible to change the standard tech specifications option ?
We have vast experience of working on exclusive projects for our clients. In the event you require extra features adding to our specifications, we require that you list them individually. Our engineering team will then assess the feasibility, pricing and lead time of your project.
II.11: VALVE BODY TECHNICAL SUBSECTION
II.10: Is it possible to test 2 (or more) solenoids in one session with HT-SOL?
When using our solenoid tester, we test the solenoids individually. So we would send transmission fluid into the solenoid, energise and de-energise the solenoid and then monitor the mechanical and electric performance of that solenoid. We generally mount multiple solenoids into the block where possible as shown in attached picture but we are only checking one at a time.
Visit Torque Converter Rebuilding equipment page
HYDRA-TORQUE - TORQUE CONVERTER section
III.1: Do I need to buy the complete standard set of equipment ? Which items are essential for successful Torque converter rebuilding ?
III.2: What equipment and tools do I need in addition to the Hydra-Torque equipment ?
III.3: What skills are needed for working on Torque Converter rebuilding equipment ?
Previous experience of working with industrial machinery will certainly contribute to easier and faster understanding of the rebuilding routine. The cut-open procedure for Torque Converters is potentially the most skilled operation and engineering experience is an advantage but not essential. The welding process is simple because the welding procedure is automated. Removing and replacing a worn-out friction lining is a skill that can be easily acquired. The entire process is covered during the hand-on training package conducted at our working facility in Kettering. Free training and introductory advice is given free of charge to our customers.
III.4: What are the gas mixture and welding wire selection for a Hydra-Torque welding stand?
Typically, 80% СО2 / 20% argon. but other mix ratios typical for use in Transmission workshops are also appropriate. The welding wire to be used is the 0.8mm diameter one.
III.5: What are the maximum dimensions for a Torque Converter to be put on the Welding stand WS 2.2?
Max diameter for the welded Converter = 460mm.
Max height of the welded Converter = 280mm.
Max diameter of the clamp in the lower chuck = 50mm.
Max diameter of the clamp in the upper chuck = 125mm.