> Also need to check where the grounds on the Vanagon for the battery and
> such?

Can't hurt, could help.

> So has anyone tried a voltage amplifier the by passes the stock wire
> harness and starts at the battery.
> If the works my starter may be good for awhile longer.
> I got one off evelbay that works for the Vanagon;
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=3
> 3576&item=2431348866

The PO of my van did something similar (but with a larger relay) and it
helped quite a bit.  It's a common fix for the older 6V VWs.

Bill