engine refit - torque converter question

[DavidB]

Hello all - non mechanic asking mechanical questions, so forgive wrong terminology please.

The mechanic who is replacing the engine in my wife's auto LN130 today noticed that a guide/spindle (my words btw) had sheared between the old engine and the torque converter. Does this 'guide' simply help line up the two components for ease of bolting together, or does it have a more important role that if ignored and bolted together would cause a vibration problem when running - ie do I need to get a new torque converter?

Thanks for your help

[TonyN]

I'd 'guess' you'd not get it completely centered without it, but not sure how much you'd notice vibration wise, but would be more worry about how it sits in the pump and in the seal on the gearbox side more. It could leak at best, and wear the pump or input shaft quickly at worst.

I'd get another one if it was me.

[DavidB]

okay doke.... thanks Tony.

Any suggestions on where to source the relevant parts, or is it something to get from someone breaking a Surf?