Hey Craig,

Thanks for the advice on the exhaust!

In regards to your starter, you could have a "dead-spot". when you turn-off your car the starter may be resting on a an area that is burnt/overused and it takes a bit for it to come around. One way to test this is the next time it doesn't start, firmly whack the starter a few times with a hammer (gently, now). If your car starts right-up, then that may be an indication that you garred the dead-spot loose.

If this is the case, I'm fairly certain that it will only get worse and eventually not start at all. I hope it's an easier fix, though.

Good luck!

Todd
'88 Westy

----- Original Message ----
From: craig cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 10:35:56 PM
Subject: Tricky starting.

Hey guys. I have an interesting starting "problem" that i'd like to run by
you.
When i turn the key, it turns like the battery is completely dead. It will
turn about half a revolution of the crank and just about stop, and then fire
right up. It does this every time. The battery is brand new and in good
shape, but it seems like the engine has a crazy amount of resistance when
cold. Do these starters actually 'wear out" as in, "it's weak". I know they
break..... But do they wear out? Is it possible that my start is just living
at half it's capacity? Or is it more likely to be something else?

I've gone through most of the system and can't seem to figure it out, so i
figured maybe i'm missing something obvious.....

Thanks again!
-Craig
'85GL