Engine Shakes, Tranny wont go in gear, No previous problems

[undaunted]

Alright, my friends car broke down today. He has a 94 Eagle Talon DL it could have a 1.8l SOHC or a 2.0L DOHC. It had the engine replaced. He's at work right now and I'm trying to figure out whats wrong with it. The engine started shaking suddenly. The timing belt and drive belts are fine. Oil pressure and engine temps normal. All fluids are fine and so are the motor mounts. Could the balance shaft belt have broken or skipped?

Second part.... When this happened he said there was some grinding noises. Also the car shifts fine when it's off but when its on you cannot get it to go into gear easily. We didn't try to force it. Previously had no shifting problems. When you start the car in neutral there is a brief grinding sound as well, but then it goes away and the engine just shakes a bunch. What could this be? Possibly a clutch problem? Not disengaging? He said he accidently put brake fluid instead of clutch fluid in the car by mistake. Could this cause any problems?

If I can clarify anything else for diagnoistic purposes let me know. Thanks for the help in advance.

*This was also posted in the newbie section*

 

[underpressure25]

First off brake fluid is what you would use for the clutch.Second when you push in the clitch to put it in to gear does it just grind like ou didnt push in the clutch at all and also does the clutch fell normal like it always did because if you had to put fluid in the clutch slave cylinder it may have a leak which would cause you not to be able to disengauge the clutch. Also did you check to make sure their is fluid in the tranny?

 

[GILZTSIAWD]

^^Nice reply. Also check the flywheel bolts.

 

[robs90tsi]

Sounds like your having a clutch problem. Almost like something has broken apart inside the clutch and has thrown off the balance, causing the horrible shifting and engine shaking. And yes, brake fluid is what you do use for clutch fluid.

 

[Iannelli828]

sounds like your clutch, is it the original clutch?