Sounds similar to my problem.
My engine would crank and crank sometimes, (when cold). Other times, not so
much. It would be super hesitatnt and slow to crank. And when warm, it
almost never would crank. It got progressively worse and worse untill I got
to the point where I was push starting the car. I tested the battery cable,
I added a new ground directly from the starter to the chassis (DO THIS! This
is a big improvement and a logical addition to the electrical system), put
in a new battery, and still.... hesistation.
When I was helping a fellow list member pull an engine and transmission out
of a parts car in July, I asked if I could try the starter. I swapped that
starter in and "VROOOM!". Now with my new battery and additional grounding,
it fires up like a modern vehicle. It's quite cool.

I'd say starter.

-Craig
'85GL turned WESTY
BOSTIG In the back
'87 SUNROOF SYNCRO

On Sat, Oct 23, 2010 at 8:42 AM, Michael Sullivan <sandwichhead@gmail.com>wrote:

> Good morning Volks.  Tried to start the van after getting gas on Thurday
> nite and nothing.  I have a meter monitoring the batteries and I DO get a
> draw on the main battery when I turn the key, but no sound from the
> starter.  Not a click or anything.  Gave it a couple of whacks and still
> nothing.  I did notice the positive battery clamp was a little loose, but
> still nothing after tightening.  Recently (over the last 6 months) I have
> noticed a small hesitation when starting (felt like a weak starter)but
> worked every time.  I belieive I have a spare but wanted to ask the
> concensus of the group before gettting under there.  Main battery has about
> 13 at rest and down to 11.75 when I try to crank it.
> Will have the starter tested after I get it out. Thanks.
> Michael in San Antonio
> 91GL Weekender AT 2.1L 'Gringo'
>