First thing I always to is try the starter with a Remote Starter Switch ..
that bypasses the ignition switch  and that whole trigger circuit ..
 Whether starter works the same or better that way is useful information...
 i.e. if it still barely works...that points more to the starter itself.

Make sure your transmission-to-frame ground strap has good clean
connections.

you don't say which trans you have,
but if manual trans there's a bushing in the bell housing that wears and can
be a factor for sure.
You eyeball that after removing the starter.

sounds like a starter to me.
does it look 20 years old ?
Did you look up under there at all ?
sometimes they look nearly new, sometimes like they've been in there
forever..
which would be another clue that perhaps the starter is about done.

did you get through that issue with the running temp, and oil light ...I
think it was .......??

scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 11:48 AM
Subject: Starter Woes - '88GL

>  Recently, the starter on my stock 2.1 L WBX has beun to drag on
> starting. It has gotten progressively worse, and last night, when
> departing an art show, almost didn't start the engine. Today it simply
> want start. Grinds the engine over a couple of turns, hen just poops
> out. Put in a fresh battery, cleaned the terminals and the battery
> ground point to the body. Still grind, grind, stop. So, not a battery
> problem. Could be another ground problem somewhere, or the starter itself.
>
> I need educating on starter trouble shooting, maintenance, R&R and
> Starter Tips and. Tricks. Any of you good Volks up to the task??
>
> Thanks.
>
> John
>
> --
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com