I had the same symptoms recently with an 84 Automatic Westy.  There are
quite a few different sets of wires that are connected by the switch,
including the ECU and the starter.

Pop off the column cover and pull down the connector to see what I mean.
While you've got the connector off, plug in the new switch and see what
happens. I'll bet it fires right up.   :)

On Nov 13, 2007 2:26 PM, Blake Heinlein <blakeheinlein@gmail.com> wrote:

> Jake,
>
> The engine turns over continuously and every time I turn the key. The
> engine will crank but it will not fire, catch, and continue running. I
> don't think there is a problem with the ignition and starter system.
>
> Thanks,
> Blake
>
> On Nov 13, 2007 2:17 PM, Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> > Maybe you should replace the ignition switch.  That random connection
> > behaviour  fits the failing switch pattern.
> >
> >
> >
> > On Nov 13, 2007 1:30 PM, Blake Heinlein < blakeheinlein@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> > > Ken,
> > >
> > > Well it happened today at lunch again. Drove down the street 1 mile.
> > > Stopped to get lunch. Came out after 10 minutes and the van wouldn't
> > > start. Looked at everything in the engine compartment. Everything is
> > > connected. I can hear the idle position sensor clicking when moving
> > > the throttle. After I waited about 30 minutes longer it started and
> > > ran fine. I got back to my office (1 mile drive). Stopped the van,
> > > turned the key, it started. Turned it off, then turned the key again
> > > and it wouldn't start. It definately seems temperature related. In the
> > > morning on a cold start it starts perfectly.
> > >
> > > Any more suggestions ideas?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Blake
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Nov 13, 2007 1:18 PM, Kenneth Lewis < kdlewis@northstate.net>
> wrote:
> > > > Blake,
> > > > First check the Idle position sensor. You should be able to hear it
> > > > click(engine off) when someone presses, then releases the gas pedal.
> > > > Next the TEMPII sensor, just replace it. If it's not bad it soon
> will
> > be.
> > > > Ken Lewis
> > > > http://neksiwel.20m.com/
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > > From: "Blake Heinlein" <blakeheinlein@GMAIL.COM>
> > > > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> > > > Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 9:36 PM
> > > > Subject: [VANAGON] (Symptoms) No Start, Hesitate at Start
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > Hi everyone,
> > > > >
> > > > > I had a little starting trouble today in my 84 Westy today. After
> > > > > driving 3 miles, stopping to have lunch, I tried to start it after
> > > > > lunch and the van would crank strong and it was trying to fire but
> > > > > wouldn't start. I kept trying every minute or so. After 10 minutes
> the
> > > > > van finally started and ran strong after that with no hesitations
> or
> > > > > stumbling.
> > > > >
> > > > > The only other problems are when I start the van cold and on the
> first
> > > > > couple of starts from a stop the van will hesitate with normal
> > > > > throttle depression. Within a second or two it will catch up and
> take
> > > > > off down the road. This doesn't happen all the time.
> > > > >
> > > > > Between these two problems there doesn't seem to be any
> predictable
> > > > > patterns for the cause of the problems. A couple people
> recommended
> > > > > this sounds like a mass air flow meter problem. Anyone have
> > > > > experiences with these types of problems? Any pointers on how to
> > > > > diagnose and/or reasoning.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks!
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > Blake Heinlein
> > > > > http://blakeheinlein.googlepages.com/
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Jake
> > 1984 Vanagon GL
> > 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
> > www.crescentbeachguitar.com
> > http://subyjake.googlepages.com/
>
>
>
> --
> Blake Heinlein
> http://blakeheinlein.googlepages.com/
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/