Removal of At545 torque converter

[YankeeDespot]

Hi all, after 222000 miles, including 12000 of my last week n my tranny spewed fluid out the dipstick and said No Mas. I got the transmission out with little drama, but I can’t get a 5/8” socket or wrench on the 4 bolts holding the TC to the plate it’s mounted to.
I did search some but can’t find the specific steps to get this out.
I’m thinking I can modify a long 3/8” breaker bar, or weld a socket onto a strap of steel bent appropriately. I’m hoping there’s an easier way.
Any advice appreciated

Doug in Mtn View AR

[JT20]

I used a 3/8 drive angled ratchet wrench with a flex head, it was able to reach behind the flex plate. You still have to turn the engine over by hand to reach all the bolts/nuts.

Also there is an access hole above the starter, you will have to use that access hole to reinstall it because the TC will already be mounted in the transmission. I’m thinking those bolts were metric on mine.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

a good ratcheting box end wrench with a second non ratcheting box end doubled up for length will be your best friend.
5/8 wrench might need a 3/4 wrench to slip on the open end hanging out.

[cadillackid]

you should have an access hole in the front of flywheel housing and there should be 6 bolts.. you get them from the front right above the starter... . opening up the doghouse makes it easy on a DT.. torque converter should be removed and installed with the transmission and not left to hang on the flexplate..

[YankeeDespot]

This whole bus experience has been about learning. Retired social workers aren’t known for their mechanical skills, so didn’t know about the sequence of removal. I should have been a bus mechanic.
I appreciate all the advise. These bolts seem to have been on since 1986, and are super stuck. I’m soaking them in Blaster, and am not afraid to use some heat.
I’ll reply when I got it of. Or if I fail and need more ideas.
Thanks again

[YankeeDespot]

I got it out. I bought a long 15mm box end wrench and heated it and bent it in two places to be able to loosen the bolts. Looks ok- ha ha.
I’m hoping to see an obvious blown seal in the transmission proper. When I turn the rear of the transmission the gears mov easily and sound good, so I’ve decided it’s a seal.
When it’s fixed I’ll put this one back with a temp gauge and an extra cooler.
I’ll post my experiences in case anyone else goes down this road.

[Booyah45828]

With a DT466, I'd upgrade to an MT series allison, at a minimum, over rebuilding/reinstalling an AT series unit.

That's assuming it is a DT466, and not a DT466E. Being a 1988, I'd assume it's non-electronic, but who knows what's all went on with your bus since 1988.