Donna, the "red gunk" is likely a grease for terminal protection.  With it there, the connection is less likely to corrode.  Rather than the grease, I like to use felt washers that install under the cable connection on the terminal.  They are specially made for the purpose, impregnated with a chemical that inhibits corrosion.  The grease is special for the purpose also, not just any grease.  There is also a material that comes in a spray can.  Spray the terminal and connector after installation.  All of these work, and your cables and terminals will last longer.

mcneely

---- Donna Skarloken <dskarloken@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> There is red gunk all over both terminals - what is that?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 7, 2013, at 9:59 AM, "Stuart MacMillan" <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Yes, get a strap, it's an essential Vanagon tool and you'll likely need it
> > again someday.  Not all modern batteries come with a handle.
> >
> > Stuart
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> > Donna Skarloken
> > Sent: Friday, June 07, 2013 9:27 AM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Removing and Replacing Battery
> >
> > Thanks everyone; I thought that I should remove negative/ ground first but
> > thanks for reminder. I think my dad had a battery removal strap but no idea
> > what happened to it. Maybe I will go get strap and battery first, sounds
> > easier.
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> > On Jun 7, 2013, at 9:22 AM, Angus Gordon <birdworks@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> Remember to remove the negative terminal first, and install it last.
> >>
> >>
> >> Angus
> >>
> >>
> >> On Fri, Jun 7, 2013 at 8:36 AM, Donna Skarloken <dskarloken@gmail.com>
> > wrote:
> >>> I think my battery is completely dead (87 sincere 7-passenger).  It seems
> > fairly straightforward but is there anything in particular I need to know to
> > remove the battery properly?  My local FLAPS has a replacement battery so I
> > am going to remove it, take it for the core charge and install the new one.
> > The only other time I have done this was on my air-cooled pickup, and that
> > was a while ago.
> >>>
> >>> I have the day off so I can actually take a little time to do and learn
> > some of my own maintenance.
> >>>
> >>> Donna, 87 sincere
> >

--
David McNeely