Concerning the starter problem....
I keep a camp axe in my van and when I had that problem I would reach in through the
right rear wheel well and tap the solenoid with the handle while someone else held
the key in the "start" position.  Careful not to bang on the wires.  Tap on the
solenoid or starter only. Usually would engage the starter almost immediatly.   A
broom handle or shovel handle would also accomplish the same thing.  Worked for many
a month until I fixed the problem. In case any of you are interested how I got
around this when I as alone... A long time ago, I adopted the practice of
installing  extra wires and a suitable switch from the solenoid to the engine
compartment on all of my vehicles.  Usually used during routine maintenance.  When
needed, I would turn on the ignition switch in front, open the engine compartment,
and while pushing the added starter switch, use the before mentioned persuader to
tap the starter accesable over the transmission.
Hang in there....
Mark Rokus

Gary Shea wrote:

> The starting problem is likely another infamous vanagon problem,
> known as the 'sticky solenoid'.  Lots of folks (and I must admit
> to having been one of them for a while myself...) deal with this
> using a hammer: when the car won't start, put it in gear, put on
> the emergency brake (well, if you have one!), make sure that thing
> can't move, and slide under the side in front of the passenger side
> rear wheel, and give that solenoid a few gentle taps.  It'll start,
> most times.  After a while that starts working less often, at which
> point you disassemble and clean your solenoid, get a new solenoid,
> or get a new starter.