Sometimes starters don't work well if they get overheated.  I had an old
Pontiac with long tube headers that ran very close to the starter and it
would do that every once in a while.  I'd let it cool and it would start
right up.  I suppose a tired starter might be more prone to that than a
fresh one, how old is yours?

-Craig

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Karl Ploessl [SMTP:ploessl@SUNMAC.SPECT.UPENN.EDU]
> Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2001 12:51 PM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      starting problems
>
>         I was driving Jenny ('81 aircooled (if it makes a difference)
> Westfalia) last weekend for about 3 hours in fairly hot weather at about
> 65
> mph on the interstate. After turning off the engine, I tried to restart.
> Nothing! The lights (oil, battery) came on, stereo worked  (and I think I
> could hear the fuel pump) but no engine turnover whatsoever. After a few
> hours I tried again and here she goes. No hesitation! Any suggestions what
> was/is wromg?
>
>         TIA Karl.
>
> Karl
> '81 Westy "Jenny"
> Wilmington, DE