Which of the following cannot be coupled directly to the engine crankshaft or to the flywheel?

Which of the following cannot be coupled directly to the engine crankshaft or to the flywheel?

• A. Converter turbine
• B. Torque converter
• C. Hydraulic clutch piston
• D. Backing plate

Answer: (B)

The thing being tested is where direct mechanical connections to the engine's crankshaft or flywheel are possible. In a torque converter, the impeller (pump) is mounted to the engine side and is bolted to the flexplate, so that part is directly coupled to the engine. The turbine, however, is the output element connected to the transmission input shaft and is driven by fluid flow inside the converter. It is not bolted to the engine or flywheel, so it cannot be directly coupled to the engine crankshaft or flywheel. This is why the turbine is the part that cannot be directly coupled to the engine side, while the other components can be.

The thing being tested is where direct mechanical connections to the engine's crankshaft or flywheel are possible. In a torque converter, the impeller (pump) is mounted to the engine side and is bolted to the flexplate, so that part is directly coupled to the engine. The turbine, however, is the output element connected to the transmission input shaft and is driven by fluid flow inside the converter. It is not bolted to the engine or flywheel, so it cannot be directly coupled to the engine crankshaft or flywheel. This is why the turbine is the part that cannot be directly coupled to the engine side, while the other components can be.