Sounds like the classic "hard start" problem.  Cause may be any combination
of:
  ignition switch contacts poor
  solenoid gummed up
  poor contact in the circuit somewhere
  poor contact within the starter providing poor ground for solenoid

Possible solutions:
  new switch
  clean, lube solenoid
  check, improve connections
  install "hard start" relay kit
  have starter rebuilt

I have had good results with a relay on three different type twos.

Temporary solutions:
   With a MT you can park on a hill or have everyone help push.
   One person turns the key while another whacks the starter with a hammer
or with a broomstick inserted thru the rear wheelwell.

Good luck,
Larry A.

On Sun, Nov 11, 2012 at 6:00 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> My 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile with stock 2.1 liter engine and
> manual transmission has quit.  This morning I was at a remote location in
> the Oklahoma Ozarks.  I got everything packed up and ready to roll (in a
> driving rain, no less), but when I hit the ignition switch, all I got was
> the proper blinking lights and silence, a behavior I have never, never
> experienced with this beast.  Not a buzz, not a click, but silence.  I
> switched off and on several times, and released and depressed the clutch
> several times, and bingo -- engine turned over and the vehicle started.  I
> had to buy gasoline after a drive of 50 miles or so, and the same thing
> happened.  Then I drove home, parked in my driveway, and shut off the
> engine.  This time no go when I tried to start it again.  The same exact
> silence as before, except this time I could not find a "sweet spot" that
> would get the engine to turn over.
>
> It seemed to me as if there was no current to the starter.  At this point,
> I have not explored anything, as I was pretty tired when I got here.
>  Tomorrow, I'll see what gives.  But, I'm asking first, where to start.
>  Switch on the clutch pedal, ignition switch, wire to the starter?  The
> thing ran fine all the way home in the pouring rain, lights on, everything
> seemingly normal, so I don't really suspect the battery or the charging
> system.  It's almost as if something is loose, but what are the best
> candidates?
>
> Thanks, mcneely
>