Hi..
I advise all vanagon manual trans drivers to start clutch-up-in-neutral,
unless it's like  10 below zero ( if extrmely cold you'd like to relive
the starter of turning stiff cold gear oil ..other
wise...clutch-up-in-neutral )

holding the clutch it to start puts an end load on the crankshaft..
and is just rougher on the clutch.

pilot bearing if properly dust shield protected and well lubed should
not be an issue.
End-load on the crankshaft is more of an issue in my mind.

see my other post on 85's ( or any vanagon )  with hard cranking..

Scott
turbovans
( 8 vans  for sale btw )

On 4/13/2012 5:10 PM, ralph meyermann wrote:
> Im not totally familiar with all vanny configurations so is it an auto or
> manual tranny?? If it is a manual did you try to start in neutral to
> eliminate the pilot bushing hanging up on tranny input shaft dragging it
> down!!
>
> Velma 82diesel 1.6 na westy
>
> On Apr 13, 2012 6:49 PM, "ralph meyermann"<ralphmeyermann@gmail.com>  wrote:
>
> My diesel was like that,I noticed my battery cable was getting hot!!! I had
> good connections and cables after ruling that out I had my starter rebuilt
> then all good!! If you can get an amp draw while cranking you'll know after
> checking all connections first! Good luck!!
>
> Velma 82diesel 1.6 na westy
>
>
>> On Apr 13, 2012 5:10 PM, "Karl Wolz"<wolzphoto@q.com>  wrote:
>>
>> Get yourself about 15 feet of...
>>
>> On Apr 13, 2012, at 2:32 PM, "Chris S."<szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>  wrote:
>>
>> I have been in the same...