leprechaun

Well I`ve exhausted myself in the search forum and can`t find my answer.I am new to a two battery setup and I need to know the proper way to disconnect the cables for cleaning.I would assume disconnect the ground cables first and then the positive?Put them back on in reverse? 2nd question-If I took both cables off the driver`s side battery,could I pull the wires off the starter to clean them with no arcing?Thanks for any help.

infidel

If you clean the terminals one at a time you won't have to reset anything.
To cut power so as not to arc at the starter you will have to disconnect either the positive or negative at both batteries.

TxDiesel007

i was told

to disconnect all of them, disconnect the negatives first, then the positives second

to reconnect, do the positives first, then teh negatives second so there wont be no arcing...

But then again i need to know if this is correct as well..

Tx

SHARPMACHINE

It is as Tx and Infidel said,

to remove batt = remove both negatives first

to install batt = put the positives on first

to work on truck (ie starter) = remove both negatives

leprechaun

Thanks for the help gentlemen!Your wisdom is appreciated.

Boatnik

Pulling the ground off first, usually the negative on motor vehicles, is the safest way to remove battery leads because if you accidentally strike a metalic part of the vehicle with the wrench while it is in contact with the terminal won't cause an arc. Reassembly is in reverse order for the same reason. Although the arc by itself will usually just scare you it can cause a burn or in the worst case cause a hydrogen explosion. Hydrogen is a by product of the chemical reaction within the lead acid battery. It is a true explosive produced when the battery is being charged or discharged. Of course this also tends to throw sulfuric acid in your face. Always wear googles or face shield when fooling with acid batteries.
The reason I said the negative terminal is usually the ground is because there are exceptions. 1964 VW was a 6 volt positive ground, early model Chrysler Marine engines were 6 volt pos. ground. Early model Ford tractors went both ways depending on if it was gas or diesel. My point to all this is never assume anything when it comes to safety.