Also

Check the water level in the battery
If it looks low it may have boiled off which would indicate a faulty regulator.
This problem quite often is hidden around town but during a long trip, the battery really gets a chance to heat up. If you have trouble getting battery power for cranking the morning after such a drive, this can commonly be the cause.

Has happened to our VW mechanic
to my father when he had his type 2
and recently to myself in my 89 transporter

Dom :)
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 1999 9:58 PM
  Subject: Re: 86 Westy Question

  Brent David Kardell wrote:
  >
  > Hi there everybody,
  >
  > I just completed a 3 month road trip with my 86 Westy with no
  > problems, and now that I'm back home, it won't start.  All the
  > electricals work, but it won't even TRY to turn over.  Does anyone
  > have any suggestions of where I can check first, or direct me to a URL
  > location where this has already been discussed?  I'm obviously not a
  > mechanic, and would like to avoid a mechanic as well.  Any help is
  > very much appreciated!
  >
  > I hope everyone is have a great day!
  >
  > Brent Kardell
  > 86 Westy
  > Oakland, Ca.

  Hi Brent,

  You symptom could be many things, so the following is just food for
  thought:

  Is the engine free to rotate - not seized or locked up ?

  Is the battery in good condition & fully charged (SG = 1.260 all cells)?

  Are the battery cables clean & tight at the batt terminals, ground
  connections and the starter solenoid ?

  Is the transmission to chassis ground strap clean & tight ?

  Is the ignition switch electrical plug tight on the switch (behind
  steering column plastic trim cover) ?

  Is the crank wire (KL 50) tight on the male pin connection on the
  starter motor solenoid (this can be very difficult to check so if there
  is a poor connection it is very likely to be overlooked) ?

  Are the starter motor bolts (2) tight ?

  If all previous checks are OK, remove the KL 50 wire from the solenoid
  and check for power when the ignition switch is in the crank position.
  If there is power (>10V) the starter is the likely problem. If there is
  no power, the ignition switch is the culprit.

  Good luck,    JP

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