it's the battery, the connections, or the starter motor.  maybe a relay
will solve the problem- check voltage drops throughout.  i had the same
problem- the battery is strong, and no suspicious voltage drops were
found.  i got a new starter.

aaron
'87 syncro gl

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Knight [mailto:vwdormer@HOTMAIL.COM] 
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2005 12:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Weak Starting

I have noticed this occurring more frequently lately. But here we go

Symptoms:

When cold and not driven for a while, I turn the key and nothing.
Sometimes if I hold the key in the start position it cranks after a good
count 10-15 secs. Sometimes not at all. It never does this after being
driven. I could drive some where and get out for a few hours and it
starts right up. Let it sit overnight and this situation might come up
might not. But it is getting more frequent.

I have not checked the connections at the starter yet but intend to pull
them and clean all the contacts.

But while I am at it what else should I/could I check?

Thanks,

Michael Knight
'77 Westy Deluxe, "el Verde"
'85 Vanagon GL, nameless
http://photos.yahoo.com/electrictrain@sbcglobal.net