Craig,

I had the exact same problem with my 84 Westy, it would push start, or roll
start every time, so I suspected it was related to the starter or fuel vapor
lock.  Never figured it out, and my 1.9l died, so I have a 2.1l now, and no
problems.

By the way, I changed the starter, and that did not fix the problem.

A funny thing happened once, I was going through a drive through African
safari - near Cleveland OH, and when we got to the entrance gate, with about
20 cars behind us, the van died.  It wouldn't re-start, until it cooled
down, the line got a bit long, as we waited 10 to 15 minutes.

The problem you are having is common...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/archive/index.php/o-t--t-227277--.html

I would love to find out the real cause of this.

Jack R.
84 Westy.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
craig cowan
Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2007 9:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: problems starting while warm

I'm having a new set of issues with my '85 vanagon. Its running like a
real champ, but when i shut it down, the engine bay feels warmer than
i would expect (as does the lower portion of the  tailgate, the
taillight area, etc.....yet my temp guage is reacting normally to my
new thermostat and coolant exchange. BUT, when i shut down the car
after it's driven, and go to restart it after letting it sit for any
period of time.....it wont start! It'll crank and crank and
crank....but nothing. Untill i start fluttering the gas pedal.....then
it'll start to pick up cranking speed and catch gradually and be
running. Then it runs like a top. But if you shut it down, beware.

The fuel pump seems to be running for a few short seconds after i turn
the key, as it should....but is there a great way of testing to make
sure its running right and this isnt my issue?

Thanks again!
-Craig
'85GL