Jim - my guess is that you have the same problem I had.  The ignition lock
has a "tail" on it which engages the electrical switch and turns the switch
to the various positions.  If that "tail" becomes worn as mine was, it will
not quite turn the switch to the start position.  A better test is to take
the lock/switch off and use the existing switch with a screwdriver.  If
that starts it, then your problem is the lock "tail".  They wear inside
where you can't see but if you wiggle the tail while the switch is out that
is also a clue.  Should not be loose like mine was.

This was one of the things that Steve (Steve's Lock Shoppe) repaired for
me, using another lock which originally came from a VW Rabbit (I think).
By the way, Steve re-worked all of my locks and for anyone not familiar, he
did a fantastic job in a short time and was way more than reasonable, and
fun to work with.  I was lucky in that I could stop by on my way through
Huntsville, Texas and the work was done in his driveway.

On Sat, Jan 28, 2012 at 4:52 PM, James Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:

> Lately, my 83 diesel Westy has become hard to start in the sense that the
> key,when turned to start, does nothing. I can try it a couple of times and
> sometimes that works. Other times I may have to turn the steering wheel
> half a turn before it will start.
>
> Of course turning the wheel and having it start is circumstantial; would
> it have started if I had not turned the wheel?
>
> From the symptoms I am wondering if anyone can say whether it is the
> switch or the lock? Or other?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim
>

--
Alan Felder
Austin TX
82 Diesel Westy