Thanks for all the input so far! Putting in a new ignition switch did
the trick, at least as far as the starting is concerned and I have
not yet had the cut-out of the engine happen but haven't driven it
far enough yet. Also, I am not sure (but certainly are optimistic)
that the switch is to blame for the battery drain. I will take my
volt/ohm meter to it tonight and may find out.

If anyone has any idea on how to start trouble shooting the remaining
problems, that would be great: Battery and OXS light are still on and
the idle drops too low when I take my foot off the gas too fast. When
cold, it also seems to fluctuate a little (which it always has, may
be the AFM). Another bit of history: I put in a new cat 4 years ago
and I think the OXS was swapped since then as well. As I mentioned
below, the cat always seems to be extremely hot (except for last
Friday). I also had a short look into the distributor cap and it does
not look too bad. A little crusting on the contacts but otherwise
clean. The ignition cables have not come yet, but I don't think I
have any misfires, so I am not sure that part of the system is to
blame for anything.

thanks again for any insights you may have!
h.

>
> Hi,
>
>        I have read all the archive posts that I could find and am
> aware of
> many similar sounding issues that are either due to ignition
> switches, AFM problems, distributors broken or ECU malfunction/bad
> connections. My Westy's problem is hopefully one of these (it may
> well be more than one problem, read on!) but I wanted to see if I
> could maybe get some input on what I think are somewhat unique
> symptoms
> [snip]
> Anyways, the van ran very well for a few miles and then the battery
> and OXS lights came on and stayed on. I had the feeling that the
> motor was running a little cooler and leaner than it had been too,
> but this is just a gut feeling I had.
> [snip]
>