Your intermittent symptoms (no start, no nothing when hot---all magically fixed the next morning when cold) sound identical to mine (85 manual).� It was the starter solenoid.� If it happens again, list wisdom says to whack the starter with a big wrench or piece of wood or rock or something to unstick things inside the solenoid for a temporary fix.

Rich
San Diego

--- On Mon, 11/12/12, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET> wrote:

From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: won't start
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Monday, November 12, 2012, 4:29 PM

Well, my bad regarding the clutch having a switch.� Sorry for the ignorance.

An update, for what it's worth.� I have not really gotten into the situation much.� Today, I cannot duplicate the problem (sounds like something from a dealer regarding a vehicle under warranty).� When I went out this morning, ambient temperature 24 F, started right up, just like always.� I drove it till it warmed to normal running temperature, shut it down, and it restarted fine, no evidence of a malfunction.� I repeated that several times, then let it sit until cold.� It started fine.� So, maybe that suggests where to start a bit more?� Still likely the ignition switch?� Or the solenoid?� Or just a loose wire?

Thanks to all who responded already, and I'll get more into the matter tomorrow.� Today I had to deal with a two year old furnace that decided it didn't want to work.� But that is working now.� So maybe tomorrow more time on the beast.

mcneely

---- Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> HI Dave,
> one place to start is ..
> there is no switch on the clutch pedal..
> AND ..
> I do not recommned starting manual trans Vanagons with the clutch pedal
> pushed down..
> it just adds stress to things.
>���Start clutch-up-in-neutral, unless it's like 10 below zero ..
> in which case one might hold the clutch down to eleminiate gear oil drag
> in the starting process.
>
> I always just whip out my Remote Starter Switch ...
> connect it to the trigger temrinal on the starter� ----� or my cheater
> wire in the engine compartment..
> if you arrange that right, it can reach the alternator main post, so you
> have your own self-rescue alternatrive circuit to energize the starter.
>
> plus ..that bypasses the ign sw and all the wires going from rear to
> front in the van.
>
> the easiest first thing for you to is pop on another ign swtich as a
> simple test.
> eyeball the starter itself ..in case it looks ancient.
>
> check your trans ground strap and batter post connectionsof course.
>
> scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
>
> On 11/11/2012 4:00 PM, Dave Mcneely 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
> >
>

--
David McNeely