Oh. I think I understand that. Do they wear out? It’s only just started happening and still isn’t every time. Tho I drove 3 hrs straight back from Oxford then the next day, or day after it did the delayed start thing again?
Even though it starts sometimes, its not reliable. Having looked at your nice pics, your starter looks very original and corroded and may benefit from a rebuild. First things though, I would be cleaning up all wiring connections at the starter and battery connectors and battery earth to the body and gearbox earth strap. I bet that would make a difference and it wouldn't cost you a penny.
Check your earth's as well. Mine had been slowly getting worse at starting. I got round to cleaning them properly the other week and it's all back to normal now With mine when it wouldn't start I could connect a jump lead from the negative to the body and it would start straight away. Nice easy test Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Jump the solenoid . Take a wire from the battery and touch the connecter on the top. Make sure it's in neutral. You won't mess anything up,,by doing this... SE if the starter clicks on . If not could be ignition switch..I miss my fords ,,,,
