I had similar problems on my 2.1.  My solution, which may or may not work
for you, was to run parallel cables at the following locations.
Battery <----------------------------> starter ~ 11 feet
Front Transmission <---------> Body   ~ 8 inches  (make sure not to connect
just to the transmission mount bolts as this is electrically insulated from
the rest of the engine/transmission assembly by the rubber mount)
Alternator <---------> Starter    ~2.5 feet

All cables made from 2/0 purchased from welding supply and crimp connected
to closed ring connectors found in the same supply store.

My van starts with ZERO hesitation now and turns over super quick.   Before
I couldn't get it to turn over and jumping it would barely work.

MIGHT be your whole problem or just PART of the problem.  The other things
mentioned about the brushes wearing out are also a likely culprit.

-Ry
http://www.google.com/profiles/rylincoln

On Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 10:13 AM, craig cowan <phishman068@gmail.com> wrote:

> So, my starter is a randomly picked, untested 1.9 starter that was in a
> pile
> of them some years ago.
>
> Lately, the bus simply won't start. I get great power to all the
> accessories, the battery appears to be holding and charging just fine, but
> the thing just won't turn over fast enough to be of any value. I've cleaned
> all my grounds, I've tightened all my leads, and yet.... no dice.
> Jumping the battery off another car no longer has any effect.
>
> I'm starting to think my starter is a bad egg. Any thoughts?
> What type of symptoms would be expected from a failing starter....if other
> than what I described?
>
> -Craig
>