I chased that same demon for a few years.  Replaced starter and various
batteries, etc.  Turned out the problem was old wiring.  I replaced the
biggish (though not big enough) wire from the battery to the strater.  All
(seemingly) good now.

Karl Wolz

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From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Bjorkman
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2012 8:50 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Starter/relay/switch problem

Hi All;
What's that Roseanna Anna Danna's dad used to say, It's Always Something.

Camper won't start.  Noticed a delay a few (intermittant) times when
starting over a few weeks.  Turn the key, just a moment or two of
hesitation, then start.  Then once it wouldn't start so I pushed it, jumped
in and popped the clutch, and it started and then no problem for a few
weeks.  Went out this AM and no start.  Lights and bells fine.  Starter gave
no signs of getting tired.  I would like to try to electrically "jump" the
starter to see if it is broke (I don't think so), but havn't done that in a
long time and would like a refresher from anyone out there who has done this
recently.  Any other diagnostic hints would also be helpful.  I have a VW
inline 4 in there, and the starter is somewhat accessable.  Same type
starter as waterboxer.  I am also facing downhill in a pull in parking spot
so jumpstarting with a push is not an option (unless I get someone to pull
me out of this parking spot).

Dave B.
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