bad_driver

Can you measure for crankwalk if we all suspect it to be a shot thrust bearing? If it exceeds the tolerance, probably good enough time to get the bottom end rebuilt, assuming we do not have catastrophic damage everywhere.

Rewire

so, set up a dial indicator against the crank bolt, sit in the car, and press in the clutch, right? to check for crankwalk?

windhund116

Sometimes, you can visualize excessive play by just pressing the clutch pedal in and out.

engifineer

Make sure the transmission is in neutral when trying to turn the engine with a breaker bar. If you are still unsure you can pull the spark plugs too while trying it as that makes it a lot easier to turn. But with a long ratchet even you should be able to move the crank.