one very efficient way to start on this issue is :

you have a Remote Starter Switch ( a tool ) in your tool kit.
You've previously rigged a 'starter trigger' wire ( tied into the trigger
wire to the starter solenoid, which is a bit hard to access in a syncro
anyway )  in your engine compartment so it's easily accessible .

you hook up your Remote Starter Switch to that wire, in about 4 seconds you
know if the starter is lame/weak............and then you know to work in
that area,
OR..........if that makes it crank nicely, you know the starter is
fine...........and you direct your attention to the ignition switch area.

In any case, take a good look, and possibly clean and tighten the ground
strap at the front of the transmission.

And really............a remote starter switch is SO useful I can't say it
enough.  Numerous uses for self-rescue and trouble shooting.
I could not fix cars without one.
After a simple test light, it's my next most important electrical tool. Even
more valuable than a volt-ohm meter, it's that useful.

btw, the electrical part of the ignition switch is a common failure item in
Vanagons - a somewhat underbuilt part.  On some of my quite old vanagons, I
even add a dedicated starter button on the dash, so I don't have to depend
on the electrical part of the ignition switch,
and those 20 year old wires going all the way back to the starter.
Scott
turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew Berlett" <Mattmoosh2000@COMCAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 8:15 AM
Subject: 86 syncro doesnt start

>I turn the key and the engine doesn't turn over but the lights turn on. It
> makes no noise. If I try starting it repeatedly it does start eventually.
> I
> am thinking dirty connections somewhere but I don't know where to start.