I got a bunch of help on this one.  Thanks to
everyone.  (No time to reply individually right now!)

Mysteriously, the problem cured itself before I could
determine what caused it.  this was after two days of
driving around with the battery box   open and me
disconnecting the alternator wire at the battery to
shut the van off.  I still suspect the ignition switch
and have a spare, which i plan to swap out.

I'll let everyone knowe what I find out.

steve

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