This sounds like a problem I had with my bay window van,  the long path to the starter solenoid didn’t leave enough voltage/current to activate the solenoid properly and crank the starter.   I think I did the same fix on my 82 vanagon.   A relay in the engine compartment activated by the ignition switch, connected to the power with for actually driving the starter.   The test if this is the issue is to jumper from that hot lead to the starter to the solenoid terminal.  If low voltage is the issue, it will crank.   Also a bypass is a screwdriver jumper from the hot lead to solenoid terminal, usually more effective than the hammer to the starter:)   When I was traveling with 3 middle school to teenage kids, they just pushed and I jump started it.   They still remember their humiliation doing that:)

Theodore Hoekman
thoekman@gmail.com
19 York St.
Newbury, ON  N0L 1Z0
(519)719-0342
Blog:http://Tedspassivesolarhouse.wordpress.com

> On Jul 6, 2021, at 5:00 PM, Douglas Toomey <drt@UOREGON.EDU> wrote:
> 
> All,
> 
> The van developed a starting problem over the past couple of days.  The battery is fully charged, newish, and fine. Also tried jumping the car; no go.  I can push start it. Tested a second ignition switch.  Both the original and the spare cause an audible clicking of the starter motor.
> 
> Current symptoms:  Turn key over, hear fuel pump.  Move key to start, hear clicking of starter motor
> 
> Questions: 
> 
> 1) The Bentley shows taking the starter apart to clean commutator.  Is that recommended?
> 
> 2) How can I be sure it is starter?  Can it be the solenoid?
> 
> 3) Local shop what carries GoWesty parts is closed this week. Any suggestions on where to get a new starter motor and type?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Doug