So Larry, was your problem with the solenoid in those cases?  thanks, David

---- Larry Alofs <lalofs@gmail.com> wrote:
> Dave,
>   I have this problem with 3 different vans, a '76 bus and '80 and '84
> vanagons.
> In all cases the problem first appeared at the beginning of long trips
> after driving for 2 hours or so.  It often disappeared with more typical
> day to day short trips.
>
> Larry A.
>
>
>
> On Mon, Nov 12, 2012 at 6:29 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
>
> > 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
> >

--
David McNeely