I bought a RSX type S with what I presume to have a transmission problem but I'm wondering if it may just need a clutch instead.

If you put the car in any gear except 3rd and release the clutch pedal the car will stall and die. Although the car will operate in 3rd gear.

I just pulled the transmission off and if I move the linkage arm to put it in different gears the input spline with still spin without hesitation. Any ideas why it would still freely spin...I figured it would be locked in every gear except third.

The throwout bearing has some damage. One of the hooks that connects to the release fork is broken off. Also the pressure plate has a lot of knicks on the cover of it. Just ordered a new clutch kit for the car. Holding out on the transmission purchase till i get some feedback.

 

Update: I ordered a new clutch kit yesterday. Plan is to install the new clutch kit with the old (original) transmission and see if I have the same results to confirm if the trans is defective or not. Its worth a shot for an added 2 hours of time to install it and confirm. I won't be installing the subframe (PITA) until I know if transmission is okay.