The Bus Depot sells 2 items that together cost $20 and may well fix your
problem. A new ignition switch and a Bosch Hard Start Relay kit. The
relay will probably do it the easiest but for $5 more get both. The
relay really mostly masks other problems but if it works it works. I
have used a couple of these to solve intermittent starter issues over
the years.

http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=171905865

http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=WR1

Mark

Wesley Pegden wrote:

> Thanks to everybody that's replied
> Okay, I just want to go over what I've done and what my situation is.
> First, my symptoms:  The van often fails to start:  It will always
> (fingers crossed) eventually start, but it might take a few turns of the
> key.  When it doesn't start, the engine doesn't turn over at all.  I do
> hear a distinctive clicking sound at the back when I engage and
> disengage the ignition, which I assume is the solenoid.
>
> I know have a happy 13.7-.13.8 volts at the battery when running (14
> volts at the alternator) without electrical on.  Throughout this whole
> ordeal, I've never had to jump the battery.  I've had the battery tested
> at an autozone (where its under warranty), and I have driven the van
> around a bit (with my 13.7-13.8 volts at the battery) so it should be
> fairly well charged, but this doesn't seem to affect the problem.
>
> I've replaced: the starter, the alternator, and the starter bushing (in
> addition to cleaning up some grounds and replacing the battery ground
> strap).