Looks medium bad on the metal all right.
Vids are slow to load for me ..
plus I don't like sitting their like a monkey, so I don't watch every
vid posted.  Too passive, just waiting and watching.

I'll have to think about what SMTD means... ( besides Springfield Mas
Transit District )
google doesn't know.
Maybe means the same thing as TTMFOOT.

rememberalwayshakthelanguage

scott

On 3/16/2013 4:24 PM, Angus Gordon wrote:
> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>