My 1998 Mitsubishi eclipse 2.0 non turbo will not start when I turn the ignition there is knocking slapping coming from engine area . What is causing this and how can I fix it?

I would suspect timing belt issue. But could be any number of things. Remove plastic guard off top of belt side of engine and inspect timing belt. It should be good and tight. In case of head gasket check coolant for signs of oil and oil for signs of water. Will engine turn over at all? If so with someone trying to start it listen and inspect engine compartment for where the sounds are coming from. Might get lucky and be just a serpentine belt or idler pully issue.

No your engine is gone, a timing belt would allow the engine to keep running check the oil. Than if u have no oil u know your engine is blown if u do. Take your belt and try and turn it counter clock wise. If its really hard look for you're a harmonic balancer put a attachment with a breaker bar on it and push not too hard to break it but try that I'm giving you out the options but I'm pretty sure it's blown considering loss of power engine was running pulled over kept popping sorry man

Wouldnt allow

Timing belt won’t let car run mine broke and it had power but would not start and the slapping was probably the belt slapping on the frame you’ll have to take your engine apart to replace it but I ( a female with little knowledge)replaced mine 8months ago and she’s doing great still I learned on forums and YouTube how to do it