I had the same problem with my diesel rabbit.  I installed a relay kit which
helped for a couple weeks.  Then I broke down and installed a new starter.
I think you may need to do that.

Brad

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of bret@GORDON.STONEFLYTECH.COM
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2001 10:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 1982 Diesel Westfalia starting trouble

My 1982 diesel westy has just started exhibiting the following symptoms:
Often when attempting to start when the vehicle is cold all I get is a
click.  If I continue to back the starter key off and turn it again, the
starter eventually comes suddenly to life.  This does not appear to be a
battery issue as the starter turns easily once it starts cranking.  Any
thoughts?

-bret

1982 diesel westfalia
saint george, utah