I believe I have a similar problem, sometimes, especially when its hot
outside,
turning the key makes no difference for a moment, then finally something
seems to
loosen up.  I'm also noticing that the van seems to need a little more gas
to start
these days. It used to start without touching the gas pedal at all, but as
things warm
up, its requiring a little bit of foot power.  Could be nothing at all, but
if anyone
knows whats up, I'd love the advice.

BTW, hello to the list! I'm Eric, 23, had my 87 GL for 2 years. Started in
FL, went to Chicago and back, then landed out west working in Mt. Rainier
Natl Park for the summer. (Saw a _lot_ of vans there. Was there anyone on
the list that went to Sunrise this summer? You might have seen me or my
van... Grey with FL Turtles Tags, or tall guy serving fries and burgers)
Then back to Florida and now I live in South Carolina. Anyway, got it for
$1000, since then its needed a H2O pump, a power steering rack, a little
freon, an alternator mount, some tires, and a few belts. Otherwise I got an
AMAZING deal. Engine's great, sure it leaks a little of everything ; )

Oh yeah, one other question!  I go through power steering belts like once
every two or three months.
It looks like the pulleys simply don't line up, but I've seen no way to
adjust this.

Well, Hope everyone's having fun...
~Eric

>Every once in a while, on long trips, when I stop to refuel, my 1984
Vanagon
>GL will not start for several minutes. When I turn the ignition to start,
>there is no noise except the sound of the fuel pump. After waiting several
>minutes it will start right up.

>If my solenoid is sticking when hot, will a new solenoid fix this?

>Is a sticking solenoid a sign of eminent solenoid total failure, leaving me
>stranded (automatic transmission)?