Thanks guys.  In my heart, I knew that was the right way to do it.  Thanks for the quick answer.

Dave B.

-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
To: ddbjorkman@verizon.net <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>; vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sat, Mar 31, 2018 11:54 am
Subject: RE: Starters and batteries

The short answer to both questions, yes! If in the process of disconnecting or handling the positive cable any contact with the body while will result in a high current arc flash and should that contact result in a welding of the wrench, or cable or whatever the only limit to the current available is the internal resistance of the battery and the cables. If lucky and you still have the original cable it will be the first burn up hopefully before the battery explodes. Yes, it happens. Not like a bomb but electrolyte everywhere. As for the 2nd batter it really depends on the method of isolation-control. But really if you are not fully sure it is best to disconnect it.

Working on a van with this set up now. I'm not impressed.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of ddbjorkman@verizon.net
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2018 11:03 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Starters and batteries

Hoping for a quick answer from the list.  I am getting ready to crawl under and replace the starter on my 87 Westy.  I have the 2 battery GW setup.  I have 2 questions.  Do I really need to pull the negative battery cable before replacing the starter, which blows away radio settings, clocks, and getting under the seat?  If I need to pull the neg cable, do I have to do it to both batteries?

Dave B,