Dale,
I had the exact same experience with my '80 Westy when stopped for gas in
Holbrook, AZ. Luckily on my way into town, I noticed a VW shop on the outskirts.
I called the shop and they said it sounded like the starter overheated and
locked up. He suggested that I could let it sit and cool off for a while or
spray it down with some water to cool it. By the time I got off the phone with
him, viola! it started. So on my way I went to the Gila National Forest in New
Mexico. BUT, the next morning when I went to start it - nothing. I crawled under
there and gave it a few taps (wacks?) with the butt end of a screw driver and
viola! again. That was the last time I had problems starting it. Don't know if I
have great mechanical skills or just lucky.

Good luck,
Peace - donna
'84 Westy (Pepe)

ps Have you done any National Forest research?

Dale Hartman wrote:

> I wonder if you could help me, yesterday I went to fill up for gas, so I
> turned the van off, filled up went to pay and when I returned and tried to
> start it all I got was a loud click, each time I tried it that was all I
> got.  I ended up starting it by getting it rolling and popping the clutch.
> I got home and obviously it wouldn't start.
> I do have a new battery in it.  Do you suppose it's the starter?  If so what
> am I looking at to replace it?  How hard is it to replace? and how much
> labor would a mechanic charge to put one in, or can I do it myself (limited
> mechanical ability!!)?
> Thanks
> Dale Hartman