You should listen to Jake. The ignition "switch" is actually a
multi-switch inside. Just because the starter part of the switch works
reliably doesn't mean the ignition part does. It is a very common
failure, as is a third switch inside it, the X-contact switch. There are
2 more switches in there as well but they are unimportant for most of us.

Mark

Blake Heinlein 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/
>