2AZ-FE flex plate/torque converter will not separate

[tundrachief]

I am changing my engine due to warped head. I am removing it from the top, have all external items removed, and all 6 bolts out that connect the flex plate to the torque converter. I did however leave the pulleys on the front of the engine.

My problem is: I cannot separate the flex plate from the torque converter! I have used a flat bar along with three screw drivers wedged between the plate and the converter where the mount bolts go thru, a cats paw and dowels, and a combination of wedges.

I can spin the flex plate with the harmonic balancer and the torque converter does not spin with it. so I know there is nothing attaching it. I have moved the fulcrum point of the hoist from the middle to the front to the rear of the engine to get it to tilt at different degrees. What could possibly be holding the flex plate to the torque converter? When I try to move the engine the torque converter moves with it. HELP!!!!!

[tundrachief]

Wow! can’t believe the help I got here!!!! anyway, for those that might run into this problem in the future, a flat bar with a pair of vise grips attached, and some good ole muscle to jolt the two apart while rotating the flex plate with the harmonic balancer is what it took.

[csaxon]

The only people on this site at 2 am are the desperate like yourself. The rest of us are sleeping. Glad you got it figured out. I just saw your post and its 1:10 pm here.
You'll get good help here when we're awake, just give us a chance. Thanks for the tips.

[tundrachief]

Yeah, I posted from work, on the 11th and waited for a response til the 16th. I was lucky enough to get a number for a great mechanic in Sac that had alot of experience with this and posted the answer on the 17th. I guess when you get that many miles on the engine/trany it siezes together, requiring an extra amount of love in your jolting!