Mike wrote:

Having a quirky problem on by '85 Westy.  Intermittently, when starting,
sometimes I turn the ignition key and hear the fuel pump activate, but
other than that - nothing happens.  Its almost like what happens when
you try to start a late model american car when its in gear as opposed
to Park.  One more key turn (sometimes two, but never more than two) and
it kicks over normally.   Seems like its more of an electrical problem
than a starter problem but I am baffled.  Has anyone experienced
anything similar?  Any ideas?  As long as I don't get stranded without
being able to start it at all, this quirk is something I can live with.

Mike it sounds like your ignition switch is on the way out or you have bad
connections. Check the wire that comes from the ignition switch to the
solinoid. Remove that wire when your starting problem happens and then  see if
you are getting any voltage through that wire while someone turns the ignition
switch.If not it is probably the ignition switch. If you getting voltage then
it is probably the strarter/solinoid.

Bill Webster
Meridian,Ms.