Clutch/Thrust Bearing question
 

Hi All ~

Okay, I've been going through some old threads on this because of a discussion that sparked my interest. I didn't find much, but this one seemed to cover my points of interest. I guess I could have just as easily posted this in the General Automotive section because it was an MR2T that started it, but I'll start here.

Someone is trying to tell me that a heavy clutch pedal is the reason that two people lost engines. I know one of the cars he mentioned and it was a purpose-built monster! My thinking is, it could have been any number of other things that caused the engine to die. I'll spare the details ...

My question is this: I want someone to explain to me why it is this stuff about clutch pedal effort and thrust bearings is an issue, yet so many cars of the past came with relatively heavy clutches and went on the cover hundreds of thousands of miles without incident? It would appear to me that even pedestrian cars like the '88-'91 Camry would all have engine failures due to this because of pedal effort and the clutch/starter safety thing.

I've noticed the trend toward lighter controls (including pedal effort) and my own personal feelings point to laziness, but again ... it's MY own personal feelings.

Anyway ... any comments, thoughts or links to hard facts is welcome.

Thanks.