there are some devices like
https://www.amazon.com/12V-Automotive-Settings-Keeper-Battery/dp/B002C0NP5I/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t
which keeps the radio settings etc after disconnecting the battery.

Karl.

On Sat, Mar 31, 2018 at 12:15 PM, ddbjorkman@verizon.net <
ddbjorkman@verizon.net> wrote:

> 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,
>