Chris:
You're getting a full charge, right? like 13.5 volts when it's running?
Make sure the ground wire at the front of the transmission is in good
shape and well attached at each end.
Next up might be the starter bushing in the bellhousing.. These need a
dab of grease when the starter is out. If it is worn, it is pretty easy
to pull it out and push in a new one. The starter probably would be
suspect next.
I like the idea of taking it to the local place that can fix it the same
day you bring it in, and fix YOURS. Instead of getting a rebuilt that
likely had a lot more wrong with it than yours.
Al Brase

cHRIS sNYDER wrote:

>I have a weird problem with my starter, see what you all think.
>
>Whenever I try to start my '87 Vanagen it acts like the battery is almost
>dead, the engine turns over ever so slowly not even fast enough to start the van.
>About 6 months ago I bought a brand new battery and I checked it to day and
>all is fine but still the starter won't kick the engine over. My best guess is
>that the starter is fried as all the wires are clean and tight from the
>battery back to the starter.
>the starter has been acting sorta strange lately both sound wise and the way
>it would clank the engine over like it didn't have the power to start the car.
>
>Any other ideas before I send this starter packing??
>
>
>