I have a similar problem on my 86 GL automatic.  The gears on a  section of
the torque converter seem to have been worn down to the point that the
starter gears will not engage the torque converter when the engine stops at
that point.  Luckily it is only  a section of the torque converter gears
that are worn so the problem is intermittent, happening about once in every
5 starts.  Ken Wilford told me that the way to fix this is to replace the
torque converter however it is probably impossible to get a new one so you
will have to find one off a used transmission or something.  He did'nt say
specifically how to replace the torque coverter but he did say the tranny
would have to come out.  Try having someone turn the engine over by hand
(with the ignition off) while you inspect the condition of the gears on the
torque converter w/ a flashlight through the "window" below the starter.
Anyone have any suggestions about dealing with my intermittent starting
problem?

Andrew Fox
Cape Cod, Mass

                    Brian Wagener
                    <bh_wagener@YAHOO        To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
                    .COM>                    cc:
                    Sent by: Vanagon         Subject:     Question about torque
                    Mailing List             convertors.
                    <vanagon@gerry.va
                    nagon.com>

                    10/19/00 09:16 PM
                    Please respond to
                    Brian Wagener

I have a 1985 automatic vanagon GL.  And the teeth are worn on the torque
convertor, and is consequently eating the starter gears.  Do you know how
the gears are connected to the torque convertor, bolts, welded, etc?  And
could I just replace the gears?  Anyone know any yards, etc. around
DC/Baltimore area that might have something like this?
Thanks,
Brian