Torque converter causing crankshaft to walk?

I just had a rebuilt 3900 series 1 SC engine put in my 1995 Riviera. After around 100 miles the front crankshaft oil seal had moved forward and the engine was losing a great deal of oil. I replaced the seal and the harmonic balancer. After another 95 miles the same thing happened. There has been a vibration in the car since the engine was installed and it has been suggested that the problem could be caused by a bad torque converter. Does this sound realistic? If so, can the torque converter be replaced without pulling the engine and or transmission? I am running out of funds and am hoping not to have to pull the engine out again.

The car is running but losing oil and there is a rapping sound in the engine now. I also see some metal in the oil on the dipstick.

...have to drop the transmission to replace (or even check) the torque converter.

...have you checked the motor and transmission mounts?

Albertj

I know of some Vigilante converters that have taken out thrust bearings in rear wheel drive 3800's. That engine is toast. Metal in oil means big trouble.

Metal in oil = Toasted Engine

I highly doubt it was caused by the torque converter. Not saying it's impossible, but very unlikely. If the TC wasn't installed properly it could be pushing against the flywheel hard, but again, it's unlikely. You would have had major trans problems/lack of pressure if the TC wasn't seated all the way.

Was the engine you old one rebuilt locally, or was it one from one of those 'reman engines installed here' places? If rebuilt locally, you can go have a chat with the machine shop that did the work.

The engine was rebuilt by an alleged legitimate rebuilder that will cover replacement under their warranty. I am pissed that I have to pay to have the engine pulled and the new one reinstalled. Considering I was sold a defective engine apparently, I would think they should have to bear the labor costs. They don't think so.

The engine of course is a 3800, not a 3900. That was my typo in the original message.