1993 944, T-Rex/Regina, AW71L, engine replaced about a year ago by the PO at a dealer due to a Jiffy Lube drain plug replacement issue.

I was having “external” problems with my transmission torque converter/flywheel. “Bolts in a SS blender noise”, then ok, then an “occasional steel to steel” noise. Something had shot out of the transmission cover plate from the flywheel side in the direction of the engine.

Upon removal of the transmission I found one bolt, flywheel to engine, loose, backed off about two turns. The remaining bolts were tight. No problem. I don’t think the loose bolt would have backed out enough to affect anything. After removing the flywheel I found one potential culprit, a missing bolt for the seal carrier, hence the blender noise. None of the carrier bolts seemed very tight. I still cannot find what is causing the occasional steel to steel noise. It sounds like a dragging brake pad without the pad.

Now the questions:
1) When I rotate the torque converter I can hear a few clunking sounds 2 quick clunks per rev, inside the torque converter. Normal?
2) I have heard of torque converters falling off if tilted forward. Is there any reason I should not remove it? (I am still looking for metal to metal noise.) Right now I cannot picture the sealing mechanism. Is the fluid inside the torque converter sealed off from the gear case?
3) What else should I look for? What is making the metallic scraping noise? No, it’s not a brake pad.
4) The rear crank seal is going to be replaced. Intimidating. It looks like it can only be installed into the carrier with a home made tool. Remove the carrier, find a pipe the correct size and tap it in?

A few notes. After removing a fair amount of brackets and bolts plus the drive shaft and center support, the transmission came out with very few problems. The tranny is heavy, especially when you are laying on your back. The tranny jack was a good investment. I had removed the dizzy cap and rotor and supported the engine under the oil pan in case it tilted back. It held rock steady. (Maybe the engine mounts are good.) I have read where the down pipe had to be removed. I didn’t and I was able to move the tranny back, lower it and move back again, avoiding the exhaust system. Removing the filler tube may have helped provide more room.
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Tom F. Three 940s. One down. Mods, RainX. Lien holder on two more (the kid's). Rust In Pieces, '78 245