I have the same problem, I have troubleshot everything that I can think of.
Even replaced the starter.  What appeared to be happening was that when the
voltage is too low and not enough power in the battey then nothing happens??
that is where I am at now.

Pete
peterz@gte.net
83.5 Vanagon

-----Original Message-----
From: gerry rafferty <gerryr@DIRECT.CA>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 1998 5:32 PM
Subject: Re: Electrical/starter problem??

>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.
>>