87 v6 caravan starting issues

My friend has a 87 caravan v6.. the van has hesitation starting up somedays and somedays its fine. most of the time tho he has to keep trying to turn it over and after a minute of cranking (he cranks for 10seconds and lets it rest for about 15secs) eventually starts up. and wierd enuff sumtimes when it doesnt start and he turns the key back to the off position the starter stays engaged for 5 seconds. when the van is started it runs fine and everythings smooth. i would appreciate any help i can get... thanks
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sounds like the starter relay is not disconnecting, or the ignition switch, more likely the relay.

I would also think about the pickup coil in the distributor, that would prevent it from getting spark, go to this site and see if any codes are stored in the computer.
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/fault/index.html

would it make sense to say that maybe the relay is shot since sumtimes the starter stays engaged? i was seriously thinking it was something simple. the van does also have indicators lit like :maintenance required soon" or some shit like that.