It sounds like your ignition switch contacts-that's what my problem was.
GerryR
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Wagner <wagner@I-STAT.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 1998 5:36 AM
Subject: Electrical/starter problem??

>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.
>