Bad clucth or crankwalk?

[jessebenner]

I bought my AWD '96 Talon last year, and soon after I took it to a Mitsu dealer to do a general checkout on everything. I specifically asked to check for crankshaft movement. They told me there is a 1/2" of movement!!! Maybe the guy on the phone saw .005 written and said "half-inch", i dunno. Anyways, I've been rebuilding a 6-bolt thinking my engine is trashed. It is getting to the point where it is real hard to put the car in 1st gear. The clutch pedal doesn't want to come up a lot of time. There is no noise while driving and nothing special happens when I make a left turn. No strange vibrations. Do you think maybe the clutch just needs replaced?

 

[1993eclipseGS]

Does your clutch pedal stick to the floor? Loss of pedal pressure? It might also be the slave or master cylinder, I would check the cheapest/easiest first, Before you go and trash a what could be good motor, for a $15.00 part.

 

[jessebenner]

Yea, the pedal stays down with no pressure to push it back up. I pull it up using my foot, but it still is very hard to put in gear, especially 1st. Then sometimes, it slips right in. I live in an apartment complex, so I really can't work on it or anything, especially if it's gonna make a mess.

The reason I am starting to doubt the dealerships findings is 1) they told me I needed a whole new motor. I have 138,xxx miles. I asked if indeed I had crankwalk, why would I need a new head? They didn't really answer. 2) I have since had some problems with their warranty repair work on my wife's car, so I am beginning to think they might not be to bright.

I hope maybe they are wrong. I will still continue to build my 6-bolt stroker, but at least I won't feel so rushed if I can continue to drive the Talon for a while longer.

BTW, sometimes when I start the car or shift it while driving, it makes a loud screeching sound like a belt or something, then when I push the clutch in, it stops. Then it usually won't do it again.

 

[1993eclipseGS]

I know when my slave cylinder was on it's way out, It was getting harder and harder every day, To put in gear. And also if I would let the clutch out more agressive then normal, It would stick to the floor. The slave cylinder is very easy to replace on my car, I'm not sure if yours is the same. Mine is 3 bolts all together to put a new one on.
Maybe the dealership told you that you needed a whole motor to try to make money off of you? Just an idea. I'm not going to say that it is the slave cylinder, But it sounds how mine did when my slave cylinder went.