Last time I did this I hooked the return line from the pump to my Mity Vac
and sucked up fuel until it got to the pump (if you have the clear line on
the pump you can see the fuel getting to the pump).  You can start the van
and let it pick up the fuel and then quickly unplug your mity vac and hook
the return hose back up properly.
You can always just crank the thing over until it starts as well.  The Bosch
pump is supposed to be "self-priming" and it will eventually pick up the fuel
(I like my way better).
I did this on a '84 Rabbit but I don't see why it wouldn't work on a Vanagon.
Hope this helps.

Ken Wilford
http://www.vanagain.com
John 3:16
Office (856)-765-1583
Shop (856)-327-0027
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