K 1500 Truck 4WD V8-350 5.7L (1986)
Torque Converter: Description and Operation
Stator, Alternator
Description
The converter also has a smaller vaned section, called a stator, that funnels the oil back to the converter pump through smaller openings, at increased
speed. The speeded up oil directs additional force to the engine-driven converter pump, thereby multiplying engine torque. In other words, without the
stator, the unit is nothing more than a fluid coupling.
The stator assembly in some transmissions is a variable pitch unit The stator blades are operated at either of two positions: maximum or high angle, and
minimum or low angle.
Maximum or high an le means greater redirection of the oil an increased engine speed, and torque multiplication for maximum performance. At engine
idle, it reduces the converter's efficiency, reducing "creep." Minimum or low angle results in a more efficient converter for cruising operation.
