My bet is that you have a failing fuel pressure regulator.  I've had two
fail (on different '84 Vanagons) and your symptoms are hauntingly familiar.

Mike
'84 GL 7 pass
'85 GL Westy

Zach Woehr wrote:
> Hi vanagon list members.  I have a problem with my 84 westy that I am
> looking for some help with.  It will start up right away when it is cold or
> hasn't been run for an hour or more but if I shut down the engine for a
> short amount of time after it has been running for a while (like when I get
> gas or groceries) it will not start back up.  The engine turns over but
> won't fire.  The problem has been getting worse lately.  In the begining I
> would have to let it sit for 10-15 minutes.   Now it has to sit for an hour
> or more.  The only other change I've detected is that the exhaust seems to
> smell gassier than it used to.  Any ideas?
> Thanks,
> Zach
> 84 westfalia
>