it's not the ignition switch is it, btw ?

they're rather underbuilt, and are well known for electrical issues.
Just found a 'for sure' bad one on an 87 Double Cab syncro.

just a thought, since it's a small inexpensive part and does fit the
symptom.

a definitive test ( so far anyway, numerous times ) ....if the starter won't
go ..
You have someone hold the key in the 'start' position, and you whack the
starter with a hammer, or use  a stick and hit the stick end with a
hammer...
and if that makes the starter work one more time...
it is 'usually' a bad starter.
it's simple useful test.

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Stevens" <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 5:40 PM
Subject: Re: HELP! van broke on I80 trAveling East

>I just called Utah Imports leaving a phone message that you will be in this
> area tomorrow and need immediate/emergency help
> with the starter. Not able to actually discuss this with anyone there but
> am
> pretty sure that if they have the manpower to help
> they will. It is an extremely busy shop as they have such a good, long
> standing reliable reputation.
> By the way, I've never met the "Alex Perry" at UI .... ONly know Allan,
> the
> shop manager and Jeff Keller owner, and his
> brother Jim. On I-80 coming into SLC take the I-15 north/Ogden turns onto
> I-15. Take the Sixth S/City Center exit just up
> ahead. You'll be heading E on 6th. Go to State street, turn right (S) to
> mid
> block 800 S. Look for Yellow Building, red letters
> Marisa's Fashions. Use the driveway just before that building to the
> middle
> of the block .... Utah IMports is not on the street
> front, it's hidden back in there.
>
> Another option, further north by 10/15 minutes is Metric Motors in
> Centerville, Ut. They are an excellent shop and know
> vanagons inside and out. Chris is the owner:
> 480 North 1000 West Centerville, UT 84014-1739 - (801) 295-699
> That shop is north on I-15 10 min. from SLC at the Centerville exit ....
> take off ramp, turn left back over I-15 then right
> at 2nd stop sign, then right at first street ... it's at the end of that
> road 150 yards away.
>
> I happen to be working tomorrow but if I can help in some way call me.
>
> Bob Stevens
> 801-349-9176
> PS ... do NOT try to compression start your van in reverse or in FIRST
> gear,
> use forward gears and 2nd gear at lowest.
>
> On Wed, Jun 30, 2010 at 5:53 PM, Kevin <Kevin@onshakyground.com> wrote:
>
>> We are traveling East on I80 from Ca to Denver. It's the first day on our
>> vacation and the
>> starter went out on our 87 Synco, we are in despite need of an repair
>> shop
>> who can
>> replace the starter . We will be near Salt lake on Thursday then Wyoming
>>  all along 80  to
>> Denver on Friday. Anyone who can help with the name and number of a
>> resource that can
>> help would be appreciated immensely and possibly save our trip.
>>