Mitsubishi Repair: 1997 Eclipse GS-T Crankwalk question, 1997 eclipse gs, thrust bearing

Question
I have a 1997 GS-T Eclipse. Took it into the dealer for 60k service, cam timing belt, etc. Dealer said that a clutch thrust bearing is worn out and would need a new short block/engine replacement with "new style" bearings/bushing to correct. This has to do with the clutch having to be depressed to start the car. Said engine could lock up at any time. Then tried to sell me a new car. Is this a known, legitimate problem. Where can I get further info about this. Thanks.

Answer
Pat,
Crankwalk is a well documented and well known problem (by Mitsubishi) with the 2G (95-99), turbo Eclipses.  Here are some articles about it, and other owners reactions to it:

Reports: http://www.roadraceengineering.com/walkingcrankshaft.htm

Possible fix: http://www.angelfire.com/pa4/crankwalk/

Forum of other Eclipse owners with this problem:  www.dsmtalk.com

Mitsubishi has known about this problem for about 10 years.  I believe they've even written a Technical Service Bulletin about it.  But they have never issued a recall on this problem because they did not dem it as life-threating, and the cost to fix every 2G turbo DSM would be too costly to them.  I do not believe the dealer was correct in telling you that "... your engine may lock up at any time".  I think he just wanted to scare you into buying a new car from him.  In my experience with dealership sales people, they don't know much about cars; especially older cars with older issues.  Crankwalk is a nasty problem, but there are many other owners out there that learned to live with it.
Good luck!