I have an 82 diesel and went through some of these problems.  After
replacing the starter, alternator,
battery, cables and fuses, I finally tried one more simple thing.    (long
pause for dramatic effect)
I ran all new grounds with heavier gauge wire from all of the previously
listed components.  I grounded everything to the block and body, it probably
looks a little redundant but fixed everything after $450 bucks.
No more problems!

Jamie Foust
82 diesel
Des Moines, Iowa

----- Original Message -----
From: Donna Stewart <DStewart@CHRM.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2000 10:43 AM
Subject: 1982 Diesel Intermittent Start Problem

> I am $250+ into this problem with the local VW dealer.   Probably about
every 3rd time I go to start the van, I turn the key and nothing happens
(almost like having a dead battery, except lights, radio, everything still
works but no start).  I assumed it was a bad starter.  After repeatedly
turning the key  the engine finally "catches,"  starts and I'm on my way.
Sometimes it takes 10-20 times of turning the key before the engine turns
over, hence my reluctance to drive the van very far from home.  I take it to
the dealer on Monday - they say it's bad cables to the battery and that the
battery is bad. Had to keep it til yesterday as they didn't have parts.
$250 later I have new battery and cables.  This morning I stop for coffee on
the way to work.  Same problem - can't start van - turned key about 10 times
before it started.  Drove back to the dealer.  Any ideas before I get soaked
another few hundred bucks I don't have?
>
> Donna, 1987 Wolfsburg, etc.
>