Try one of the Gene Berg aux. solenoid kits or make your own via the John
Muir book  Solenoid is off an old Ford and available at many auto parts
places.  Maybe $15-20 worth of parts and wire.

Dimwitted Moose and Flying Squirrel  90 GL  141k
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Goodrow <A84Westy@aol.com>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Sunday, January 16, 2000 8:54 AM
Subject: Starting Problems -still

>Hello All:
>   84 Automatic that has a starting problem.  When the key is turned I can
>hear the starter engage, a second or two passes and then the starter MAY
spin
>and the engine starts.  Sometimes I can leave the key in the start position
>for 3-4 seconds before the starter will spin.  Other times (which is really
>the problem) the starter will not spin the motor although I have a good
>battery.  I can leave the key in the start position and nothing more than a
>tapping sound.
>         I can come back 20 minutes later and the engine fires right up
after
>the usual two or three second wait.
>
>Does every vanagon have that pause before starting?   I've checked all the
>connection  - can the key switch be going?   Is the starter going?
>
>Thanks in advance.
>Ed