not likely to be anything to do with a relay.
stock, there is no starter relay.

makes me think of either ignition switch ..
or starter hanging up in the engaged mode.

you want to be sure to never drive with starter still engaged with the
flywheel.
as soon as the engine does say 2,000 rpm it spins the starter at a zillion
rpm ..
makes a real mess.

*always* ...always always always operate the starter with a remote starter
switch in a aase like this ..
if it still does it, that points to the starter.

if it doesn't do it ...........it directs your thinking toward the igntion
switch.
As far as I am concerned..
one can not diagnose many vanagon issues without owning and using a remote
starter switch.
I use mine several times a week..
and never even go anywhere without it and some other electrical testing
devices on board.

Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tobias Gogolin" <usertogo@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 7:44 PM
Subject: Starter Relais?

> Sometimes I try to start and it doesn't make it and even though i turn the
> key back the starter keeps on turning over...
> I'm always very worried when that happens, after all there is a lot of
> current involved, and im' worried that some day it doesn't disconnect!
>
> Is it what I would think it is a bad starter relays or who has a
> good explanation and recommendation?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Tobias