Did you disconnect the four bolts that hold the torque converter to the flywheel? They are accessed through the starter hole.

Oh. Crap.

I guess he pulled the torque converter out far enough for it to be leaking out of the front seal, Andy?

Ok, you an still separate them. Can you turn the engine one complete revolution with you broken rod? The front seal on the transmission is not difficult to replace, the torque converter should be fine.

Ok good.
I can turn the engine, so I will concentrate on separating the torque converter. Then the engine should come out. I have a replacement seal, so I will do that.

Thanks

Engine is out. Since I already removed the oil pan, the bolts for the torque converter were real easy to get to. Seems like they would be more of a challenge through the starter hole...

Torque converter come right out. No damage that I can see.

Not sure what other kinds of hoists there are, but I'm going to remove the hood when I put in the new engine. There was not enough room...

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...824037029a.jpg
New engine thermostat housing
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...cb6070c73f.jpg
Old engine thermostat housing

So, my old engine has a return from the coolant reservoir into the thermostat housing. But not the new one. I am assuming I can just swap them out?

Yes plus use all the sensors from your old engine. You really only want to use the long block which is the head and block plus internals. There may be differences in the manifolds and connectors. Look it over closely and if they are identical they can be used. Look at casting numbers on the manifolds etc.

The replacement seal I have is not the right one, so I need to get one. Finding it local is proving difficult, as I'm not sure what to call it. Crankshaft front seal is what I'm saying. Please let me know if that's not right.

I'm not sure what makes up the seal. Is it just the orange part, or is there more to it.

If I remove it, will it start leaking fluid? Do I need to prepare anything?

Thanks. This is the last step before I put the engine in...
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...6e5d2264b4.jpg

Torque converter seal
 

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...bda24c8364.jpg
O'Reilly is calling this a torque converter seal.