> While test driving a customer's '85 manual Vanagon this week I
> discovered an easy way to roll start the van.  Why not push in the
> clutch and take off the brake and roll start the van in reverse?
> Tried it and it works great.

The biggest challange I ever had pop-starting a van was when Evon, Haley and
I were touring Europe last fall in a rented diesel Eurovan camper. While
parked in an underground garage in London, the battery isolator failed and
drained both batteries.  We had about three car lengths of space to
pop-start the van. With the help of a very nice parking attendant, we pushed
it back and forth those few yards what seemed like a good 40 times.  By that
time our arms were about ready to fall off, the baby was crying, and the
parking attendant was about to give up.  I convinced him to help us try just
one last time.  On the 41st attempt, we managed enough speed to bring it to
life, and even managed to stop it before it hit the wall a couple of feet in
front of it.  Whew!

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  http://www.busdepot.com
  (215) 234-VWVW