I've had dead batteries still put out 12+ volts; little or no amperage.  Bum a known good battery from another vehicle and try that. Or, take this one to your nearest FLAPS. 

Karl Wolz
Sent from my electronic umbilicus

On Dec 14, 2012, at 12:46 PM, neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Thanks Scott and Tom
> 
> Yah, ironically, this van is in "transition" mode; the aux. battery is
> in the middle of being installed and my jumpers, spare ignition
> switch, starter motor, are all in the other Westy.
> 
> "helpers" at the mall are usually much older than me, and/or are well
> dressed and well heeled females, neither of which I would consider
> asking to push my Westy. This is not a sexist age-ist attitude!  Just
> based upon respect and logic.       :^)
> 
> (then again, chances are greater that someone over 50 is sure to know
> how to drive a standard transmission!)
> 
> I recently installed a "kill switch" to turn off the remote power door
> lock system and stereo memory. But even though I've left those items
> "on" the last while, battery was still showing 12.8 Volts and easily
> took a charge when topped up about a month ago. (due to these sources
> of electron drain)
> 
> Tom: having a battery switch was something I was considering installing.
> 
> Scott: more irony. The recently purchased remote start switch is still
> in the package, and very likely buried in my electrical parts
> box...... located in the stranded '88 ! Didn't think of it as a
> trouble shooting tool. Something to remember!
> 
> Neil.
> 
> 
> 
> On Fri, Dec 14, 2012 at 1:07 AM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans
> <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> 
> 
>> if the parking lot is always busy ..
>> there will be helpers around to push,
> 
>> I sure recommend a 'starter trigger' wire in the engine compartment ..
>> ( connected to the solenoid trigger terminal and stashed in the engine
>> compartment where you can touch the other end to your hot alt post ...very
>> handy for testing purposes, self-rescue, and to connect your Remoter Starter
>> switch to for doing compression checks, etc. )
>> 
>> It does sorta sound like a suddenly dead starter to me.
>> 
>> Did you eyeball and wiggle/twist on the battery  cable clamps at the battery
>> ?
>> ( though if they are weak and loose contact it's usually not the symptom you
>> are describing ....about the headlights going nearly dim. )
> 
> 
>> On 12/14/2012 12:13 AM, neil n wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>> ....   Voltage at battery and alternator
>> stud: 12.8  Battery posts + clamps, and starter 30 connection are
>> clean. Solenoid connection is fairly clean. (certainly not corroded)
>> Turning key dims headlights nearly completely.
> 
>> 
>> I'm hoping it's the ignition switch but if not......
>> 
>> Can a starter (or solenoid) just suddenly fail?  In my experience they
>> usually give warning signs; slow and/or intermittent cranking.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Neil n
> 
> 65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
> 
> '88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
> 
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
> 
> Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
> 
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines