"Small" torque converter
"Small" torque converter
(OP)
I am looking for a lock-up torque converter to be used on a 1500lb GVW vehicle equipped with a 15HP diesel motor. Ideally, stall would occur at 2000 rpm and lockup at 3000-3500 rpm. Torque multiplication factor is open at this point. I have looked at a number of torque converter manufacturers (and auto OEMs), but have been unable to find anything in this size. Are there any European or oil embargo era vehicles that might have a GVW and low HP diesel motor similar to my application? Any manufacturers offering torque converters for small, low power vehicles?
Thanks!
Brian
Thanks!
Brian





RE: "Small" torque converter
We used shaft mounted centrifugal type mechanical clutches in the days when we mounted a 5 hp lawn mower engine on a 250lb go-kart with driver. They can be designed to lock up at almost any RPM above about 1200 and are much less complicated than a fluid coupling but provide no torque multiplication.
Variable ratio open belt drives(CVT's) combined with a centrifugal clutch might be a better, more economical solution than a fluid coupling in that hp/weight range.
Chumley
RE: "Small" torque converter
Thanks for the feedback. I am sure you are right about the inefficiency and power-to-weight restrictions. I had considered centrifugal clutches, but I would prefer the torque multiplication and smooth response of a torque converter. Engine will be run decoupled from driveline at higher than idle RPM to recharge batteries. I could also use the torque multiplication from the torque converter for high torque, low speed conditions and then lock-up for higher efficiency, low torque conditions. The CVT option is perfect, but the cost may prove prohibitive.
Thanks again.
Brian
RE: "Small" torque converter
RE: "Small" torque converter
There exist small torque converters on japanese K-class cars like Honda today, Suzuki cappucino, daihatsu, subaru and so on.
I have no data but the engines run 6000-7000 RPM with 75 hp so you should be in similar torque ranges as with 15 hp diesel slow runner. No lock up on these but stiff behaviour. I think their invariant must lie around 500.
DutchDollar
RE: "Small" torque converter