Engine in 240 won't mate up with the auto transmission

[carguy4207]

Recently we removed the 2.4 kad engine from our 94 240 SX convertible.The car is a factory automatic and has 86,000 origional miles on it.Since I was not aware of this website I used a Chilton's manual and removed the engine from the car not thinking to unhook it from the flywheelwhen it came out it brought the flywheel with it and pulled the center gear shaft halfway out of the transmission. Does this gear shaft just slide in or is it installed with some kind of hold it in measure????? When we slid it back in and tried to mate the transmission and engine back together we also erred and put the torque converter back on the back of the engine before we installed it. When bolting up we heard a popping sound.I have unbolted and removed the engine again. It is fine... The problem isthat the shaft is now embedded in the torque converter and will not come out. I am sure we have totaled it...... Any Intelligent advice at this point would be most helpful since we seem to be unable to work on this car in an intelligent manner.Thanks,Carguy
Modified by carguy4207 at 7:08 AM 11/29/2006

[benemorius]

Strangely, with an auto transmission you install the torque converter onto the transmission first and then bolt it to the flywheel as you mate the engine and transmission up.

[rotorimp]

I would definitely pull it a look for damage. I have always put the torque converter on the transmission before installing the motor--MUCH easier