Andy, before you spend any money, the first thing to check is the shift linkage.

Under the rubber boot at the bottom of the gear shift is a plate with 4 nuts
holding it down. Take a marker pen and mark the position of this plate exactly.
With the engine off and the hand brake on, loosen the 4 nuts. Now move the gear
shift into 2nd and hold it in this lower left position while you tighten the
nuts. Now try to move the gear into 1st. It should be better. Experiment with
different plate positions until you find the best feel for 1st and 2nd. Tighten
down the nuts securely and take it for a test drive.

If nothing is improved, maneuver the plate back to its original position and put
your left hand on your wallet.
-Larry
'86 Syncro Westfalia
'86 Syncro Doublecab

Andy the Music Man wrote:

> I'm now thinking about purchasing this 86 syncro with no rust, however first
> gear takes a moment to engage once stick is in and there's a whirring sound
> in 1st and 2nd but not in third or 4th. Any thoughts? And is it possible to
> unhook and dismantle the syncro all together if it was super expensive to
> fix?......... Didn't think so.
>
> Andy the Music Man
>
> 71 Westy
> 99 turbo NB
>  old craftsman riding mower