The 2.1L Vanagons got an upgraded battery cable. If making your own you
need a #2 and the terminal ahs to be able to hold the cable at that close
90 degree angle unless you are willing to down size to a group 42 battery.
The red/white wires at the battery post go to the fuse block. Of the two
wires on the alternator one connects to the battery cable at the starter
and the other goes to post in the connection box at the front of the
engine compartment. The wire going to the battery cable should be upgrade
with an at least #8. I like #6. Better wire form the battery to the fuse
box ca also help.  A larger battery ground cable will also help starter
performance.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Bob Mac
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 1:49 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: batt cable

  I want to replace the positive battery cable in my 84 westy. From what
i see it is a #4 wire with the standard battery lug and a 1/4 inch lug
at the solenoid end. It's about 10 ft. long. I've read some posts on
this site about it but have never read what size i should go to. Would a
#2 be large enough or should i go bigger. The only problem i encounter
is the slow engine cranking. It's never failed to start but i can't be
doing the starter any good with the low amperage. My second question is,
their are 2 wires in addition to the starter cable. One goes to the
alternator, I don't know where the other one goes. I think it goes over
to the batt. compartment under the drivers seat but i'm not sure. If so
i can get this wire molded into the batt lug and upsize that wire too. I
would guesstimate this wire as about 4 ft. long and about a #12 wire.
Any and all info would be appreciated