I think we both have an intermittant ignition swich!  After changing everything I still had the problem.  My van would always start immediately when cold.  The problem occurred after riding for a short period.

One day I discovered if I would attempt to do a hot start, and immediately let go of the key, the engine would start!  This is a sure indicator that the ignition swich is making a poor connection.  A poor contact would heat up.  So there you have the latest diagnosis.  

The swich doesn't cost very much, but I just haven't had time to figure out how to disconnect the stearing column and make a replacement.  Guess I need to do this.

Let me know what you find out.  I'll bet this is your problem also.  Maybe some of the other members will have some comments on this matter.

Do you have a 74?  Where do you live?  I live just north of Columbus, GA.  Thanks for your reply.  

George 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mark A. Kreuzer 
  To: 'George Averill' 
  Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 8:42 PM
  Subject: RE: Hot Starting Problem

  George,
  I know this is a really late reply.  Did you ever get you warm start problem
  fixed?
  Here's what I've found:
  My van does the very same thing.  Luckily, I have a really noisy fuel pump.
  What I noticed is that right before you turn the key completely over the
  fuel pump engages and pressurizes the line for a second or two.

  I experimented and found that when it was hot, I would almost turn key
  completely over and let it pressurize, then I would reset the key to the
  beginning position.  
  Then I would turn the key over again, hear it pressurize then finally turn
  the key all the way and start the van.
  It has worked everytime.  There's a lot more technical guys out there than
  me but sometimes you have to be one with the bus :-).

  -- mark   

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
  George Averill
  Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 9:25 PM
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
  Subject: Hot Starting Problem

  Hi, everyone.  I have been away from the list for a while.

  About six months or so ago, I listed a problem of hard starting after my 84
  Vanagon warmed up.  Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.  So far I have
  done the following and still have the problem.
  1.  I replaced the fuel pressure regulator.
  2.  I replaced the coil.
  3.  I replaced the ignition module.
  4.  I replaced the temperature sensor.

  If I start and stop while the engine is still cold, the engine starts right
  up with no hesitation.
  If I drive for about 15 minutes and the temp goes up to normal temp., I can
  stop and quickly start, but if I wait about five minutes, there is no fire
  at all.  I can smell gas fumes near the exhaust pipe.
  About 45 minutes or more later, the engine starts up hesitantly.

  So what do I check or replace next?  The engine runs great once it has
  started.

  George
  84 Vanagon