<VV> Starter problem

[Bill Meglen]

I'm stumped as to an electrical problem with the starter and I suspect 
have no electrical "aptitude" not enhanced much by experience  .

My 1962 Rampside, 4 speed, 110 engine with alternator has a starter 
problem and troubleshooting it is compounded by its erratic occurence.

The previous owner had installed a starter switch in the engine 
compartment but I think it was for convenience and not to correct for 
this problem.

When the FC sits for some time (as little as an hour to 2 hours) it 
most often will not turn over with the ignition switch. The red warning 
lights flicker slightly when the key is turned to start, however the 
starter will not  turn the engine over.  There is no click or sound 
associated with this behavior yet without fail when the engine 
compartment starter switch is toggled, it cranks the engine vigorously. 
The starter can than be activated multiple times thereafter with the 
ignition switch,  but after setting a length of time I will again have 
to use the  engine compartment starter switch.

I have replaced the battery, cables, solenoid, and ignition switch with 
new parts. Replaced the the ignition switch terminals with a soldered 
terminals to no effect.

I noted that the battery ground cable was bolted directly to the 
engine. I seemed to recall a ground strap between engine and body on 
earlier Corvairs owned, so I hooked jumper cables between engine and 
body still nothing?

Any ideas?

Bill