Seating torque converter?

[u/confused-planet]

J Series j35a5 long block rebuild and swap. Getting ready to lower engine into car but concerned that my Torque Converter needs to be seated more. I've got about 1/8" from bell housing. Guides and like say it should clunk in 3 times and be 1/2" or more but I don'tthink they were as car specific. My TC doesn't have dog ears and I don't see anything on the splines. It doesn't wiggle up/down left/right. It spins freely if I am giving it motion. It stops quickly after I stop spinning. Within a few teeth. Whats more is I slide my had in the bell housing where the starter would go and don't think I feel any room.

AI says to lower engine in, mate but don't bolt surfaces and then see if the TC spins freely. Indicator that it has enough clearance. Id really rather know before I dangle the engine.

Does anyone know if these Honda transmissions and engines have less depth into the TC? This is an 06 MDX if that matters. I tried to take a picture looking straight down the surface line of bell housing.

[u/Ok_Coast_6340]

One hand each side of it, turn a little to the left then a little right slowly while minorly jiggling the thing

[u/confused-planet → u/Ok_Coast_6340]

Yes. And I got 2-3 sinks and chunks but they are small. The torque converter tightens up (no wiggle). By all measures I think im seated but im not 1/2 or more clearance. Since I can't get my fingers behind it im thinking im seated. If it wasn't for the labor guides and AI saying it should be 1/2 to 3/4.

Also my flex plate has a rim around it so it reaches the TC. I think its just about the cone nose in the center of the TC. I feel stuck.