The large terminal provides a secure, low resistance connection in a
harsh environment.  There is usually a boot that fits over it to protect
it from salt water and corrosion.  Earlier vans had a more conventional
flat loop type of terminal.  I once had one break off due to vibration
flexing and old age.
  Larry A.

dgk1 wrote:
>
> Thanks for the feedback all.  Turned out that it WAS a solenoid with a short
> post.
> Rather than try and return it I elected to cut off the huge terminal end and
> replace it with a smaller one.  My worry is that there might have been some
> good reason for the terminal end to have been so massive.  It starts fine now
> but am I going to have problems in the long run?
> Dion