Van will not turn over or starter will not start

I jumpered the hot red cable at the starter and the smaller brown wire. The starter engaged, then moved to the relay and jumpered the red and brown wire in the relay, it started again, then moved up to the red and yellow on the ignition switch with the ignition switch removed starter engaged again. But I will try removing the starter and have it tested at Advance Auto where I bought the starter and it is under warranty, only about 1 or 2 years old. If it is not the starter what about the 1 inch relays by the fuses under the dash.

How do I check the solenoid on the starter, or can I?

I had the starter checked and it checked out OK and the solenoid is good too. When I jumper it at the ignition plug from the red to the yellow the starter kicks in and trys to start the engine. But when I try to start it with the ignition switch no starter, and it is a brand new ignition switch. Any more thoughts on my problem.

I had the same issue on my 1992. In mine what happened is the little tab of metal on the ignition switch housing that engages the starter had broken off. You could turn the key on and everything looked fine until you turned it the extra to engage the starter and nothing happened. I had to replace not only the tumbler of the ignition switch but the whole switch assembly . I found the little piece of broken metal inside the switch housing when I disassembled the switch.

starter motor earthing strap is probably corroded?? Get a set of jump leads from vehicle body/metal and touch on starter motor to test. That is why when you jump it the starter works as you are effectively using the other earthing points. Earth strap = a few quid/dollars