What Does a Stall Converter Do?
A stall converter (also known as a "torque converter") is a fluid coupler used between an engine and drive device to prevent engine stalling at low RPM. Used in place of a traditional clutch, the stall converter has evolved from a simple device of convenience to an integral part of any modern car's fuel strategy.
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Basic Function
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The drive turbine is supplied with power from the engine to move fluid through the blades of the drive turbine. A second turbine responds by turning its blades in the same direction but slightly slower than the first, thus transferring power.
Fluid Transfer
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The first torque converters used compressed air and a series of valves to transfer power. This was replaced by fluid, since it doesn't compress and does not change density with speed the way air does.
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Converter Inefficiencies
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Since it doesn't compress like air, the fluid used in these couplings is much more efficient, but slight internal leakages cause a loss of power between the engine and transmission.
Lock-up Converters
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Modern converters combat this power loss and its concordant loss in MPG by using an internal clutch to lock the engine and transmission at a given RPM.
Higher Stall
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Engaging the wheels at a higher RPM allows the engine to get deeper into its power-band before taking on a load, thus increasing acceleration.
Performance Converters
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Performance torque converters allow a little more slippage before engaging the transmission, which increases acceleration but decreases mileage and often transmission longevity.
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