Dan,
  Could you give more details about this?  Especially the 'linkage".
Thanks,
Larry A.

"I update our AT vans to the cheaper and more readily available 76-79 Bay
AT starter (some linkage adj necessary)"

On Tue, Aug 26, 2014 at 11:33 AM, Daniel O Stevens <dosteven@syr.edu> wrote:

> Roy, it very well could be, and it very well could be a loss in voltage by
> bad connections in the starting circuit.
> Including the grounding of the starter to the bell housing and
> transmission ground cable to the body chassis and body chassis to the neg
> post on the battery.
>
> Each and every one of those points in the full electrical path can effect
> the starter from getting enough to fully energize the solenoid.
> Then add in random age and condition of the starter (even so called
> rebuilts) adding losses and friction to the whole thing.
>
> New is better than rebuilt
> Clean/shiny is better than painted or old and corroded.
>
> Due diligence is required for faithful starting..
> It's often neglected until it starts starting badly.
> Then is still accepted as the new normal until one is left stranded..
>
> I R&R our starters at least every 3 years,
> I carry a spare (rebuilt) in our automatic vans on any trip outside AAA
> range.
> I update our AT vans to the cheaper and more readily available 76-79 Bay
> AT starter (some linkage adj necessary)
> I add a Hot Start relay to all our family vans
> I intend to add a starter button (bypass) in the engine compartment for
> easier trouble shooting of the key circuit.
> I entertain the idea of A voltage gauge in the engine compartment, but
> seems a tad over zealous
>
> Unfortunately many Vanagon owners only know about the system is that
> when they turn the key, it either starts or it doesn't..
> your mechanic is not on the side of the road with you, or at your
> daughters dance recital when it happens the worst.
>
> I preach self-reliance and due diligence..
> Now I'll go out and have my van not start on my way home tonight..
> well maybe tomorrow night, it'll be raining then
> Dan in Syracuse.
> -------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Roy Nicholl [mailto:RNicholl@NBNet.nb.ca]
> Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2014 11:18 AM
> To: Daniel O Stevens
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Won't start - no, wait, there it goes!
>
> Dan,
>
> Is this one in the same as the Vanagon "hard start" issue?
>