im assuming your van is petrol,firstly you say you ran out of gas are you sure?im not doubting you but could you have actually broken down whilst low on gas?? sounds like you did but you can try depressing gas pedal fully and turn engine over for 5 seconds then take foot of gas and crank it again without touching gas, the rush of air should start engine if it hjas flooded altough i do think you have actually broken down,have you checked cam ,ignition etc??
hope it helps.......regards irishmobilemechanic