I'll tell you what's weird, my '81 is the same way.  Has been for about six
months, which is about two months after I had the engine out for heat exchanger
work (also replaced plugs, wires, cap).  Prior to this she started perfectly first
time, every time.  Is this an '81 phenomenon?  It turns over about 6-10 times,
then it'll start on the second attempt.  I usually leave the key on for about 5
seconds before attempting to turn the starter the second time around.  Also, I can
hear my fuel pump constantly.  Instead of the gudgejuu-gunk then silence, noise
that my mother's '88 makes, mine is saying gudgejuuuuuuuuuuuuu... non-stop.  Any
theories?

Bob Norman
'81 Westy
Gander, Newfoundland
Canada

Gary Shea wrote:

> Well, I seem to be on a "yeah, me too!" kick here.  My '81 has always
> been exactly like that.  Actually with mine, I usually turn it over a
> few times, then wait a few seconds, and on the second try it'll catch
> on the first revolution.  Very predictable, and very weird.

---snip---

> On Sat, 23 Jan 1999, Karl Batzler wrote:
> > Seems that the gremlin has finally struck my father's 81 Vanagon (2.0 L
> > air-cooled).  When trying to start while cold (in the morning), It needs to
> > be cranked twice.  The first cranking, the motor needs to turn over at least
> > 6 times....then on the second cranking, it fires right up.  I suspect the
> > the fuel pressure is bleeding back to the tank.  Am I wrong here?  New: Cap,
> > rotor, plugs, oil and timing is set correctly.  What's up?
> ----snip----