When I got back from camping at Yosemite, van wouldn't start.  No
engine-turnover, no sound.  Checked the electrical wiring connections
and measured voltage.  Still nothing.  Connected a Sears diehard
directly to terminal 30 on the solenoid (the big screw I think is
terminal 30), nothing.

After tapping and jiggling, my van starts now, but I want to avoid the
problem in the future.  FYI, I have the hard start relay and I have a
new starter and new solenoid.   Also, new battery and I checked the
slider switch connections and voltage in my automatic shifter housing.

I have some basic questions about how a starter works.   I have a spare
starter outside of the engine that I can play around with.

If I connect negative terminal of a battery to the starter housing as a
ground, can I connect positive to terminal 30 or 50 and see the starter
gear spin? (remember I have a spare starter on a work bench)   I tried
this and it didn't work.  I didn't connect terminals 30 and 50 to
positive at the same time.  Maybe I should do this.

Terminals 16 and 30 on the solenoid appear to be connected together.
Are they?

There is another big 13mm nut next to terminal 30.  Should I apply
voltage to that one?

I figure that once I figure out how to apply electrical juice to the
starter on my bench properly, I'll have a better idea of how to deal
with a no-start condition on the road (or on the dirt).

Thankfully, the Westy served me faithfully for over 500 miles this past
weekend and only quit on me when I was parked at home.  I appreciate the
consideration it extended me, but I'm hoping to get to the source of the
problem.

Thanks.  It's great weather for camping here in northern california.

-- Craig