Steve,
I had similar problems before and cleaning the metallic parts on the ground
on both sides did fix it.  I had a lot of guesses too.  When done with the
cleaning, do spray undercoating on it.  Make sure the parts are fitting flat
on each other.  Deep scratches will not make good meetings.  File flat or
grind.  Use good sand paper too.  Once even at an auto electrical shop they
could not find it.  You could imagine how hard it was if I had to see a shop
to help.  ( So far one out of ten when I could use their help)
Once you know that your large surface connections on the body are immaculate
and treated for future safety, you can move to easier and more costlier
fault finding.
But keep in mind the cold can make your oil so tough that it will not let it
turn well.  I had that once and had to make a little fire under the car with
some coal for a half our.  Of course I changed the oil later.  Good luck.
Zoltan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steven Johnson" <sjohnso2000@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 12:23 PM
Subject: Lethargic starter

> Hi all,
>
> Well, I'm running out of ideas.  I can't get my '86
> transporter to start.  It turns over mediocre for a
> bit and quickly slows to a slow turn.  I've replaced
> the battery and the starter and still get the same
> result.  I've cleaned the battery connections on
> both sides and cleaned one end of the transmission
> ground.  (Maybe I better clean the other end?)  I
> test jumpered the original starter with a direct line
> to the battery and it sounds the same... :(
>
> Another data point, I was able to start it two weeks
> ago and ran it for a bit till I noticed a coolant
> leak so there it's been sitting for 2 weeks.
>
> I could really use some help on this.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Steven
> '86 Vanagon
>
> Tewksbury, MA
>
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