Thanks Scott, internal problem (input shaft) is what I'm thinking as well.

The drain plug photo was on the original link -

http://bworks.net/vw/syncrosonata.htm

-and it doesn't look very pretty.

I just finished taking things apart and everything in the bellhousing looks
fine, so it's likely time to SMTD.
In the meantime I have a spare transaxle of unknown quality I'll install.

Angus

On Sat, Mar 16, 2013 at 3:26 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <
scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:

>  Generally ..
> on any manual transmission if it's 'noisy in neutral with clutch pedal up'
> ..
> and 'quiet in neutral with clutch pedal pushed in' ... ( engine running
> of course )
>   that's in indication of internal transmission damage ...
> like noisy bearings or worse, when the input shaft is turning.
>
> push the clutch in .input shaft stops turning, noise stops.
> if it's doing that....usually means  clutch is OK and trans is
> ferklempt.  ( fatootzed ) .
>
> how does the magnet on the drain plug look ?
> One on trans recently..of found , besides the normal amount of fine
> metal  particles, bearing balls.
> Trans pulled for rebuilding and is happy again.
> scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
>
>
>  On 3/16/2013 11:15 AM, Angus Gordon wrote:
>
> I recently developed some transaxle trouble with my '86 Syncro.
>
> First indication was a mild/moderate difficulty in coming out of reverse. I
> then proceeded to drive a ten mile round trip, and started to detect some
> different noises toward the end. With the clutch pedal pushed in (clutch
> disengaged) things are normal. With the clutch pedal released (clutch
> engaged) I have a rattling, banging sound.
>
> Here's a recording - http://bworks.net/vw/syncrosonata.htm
>
> The first 3 seconds the clutch pedal is down, then released for 4 seconds,
> then repeated. Sorry for the poor quality, I used my phone. The engine
> doesn't really sound that bad!
>
> Transaxle oil/plug has about 40K miles since the last change (see picture).
>
> Throw-out bearing? I'm guessing an input shaft problem (bearing?) but I'd
> prefer it if someone could give me a cheaper diagnosis. :)
>
>
> Either way I guess I'll be pulling the trans this weekend. :(
>
>
> Angus
>
>
>
>