Safety First!
* Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work. This is crucial to prevent electrical shocks and accidental short circuits.
* Support the vehicle securely on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
* Use appropriate tools and be careful not to drop anything into the engine compartment.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Socket wrench set (metric)
* Ratchet
* Extensions
* Torque wrench
* Pry bar or similar tool
* Wire brush
* Possibly a starter puller (some find they can remove the starter without one, but it can be helpful)
* New starter motor (ensure it's the correct one for your Corvette)
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for specifics):
1. Access the Starter: The starter is located on the passenger side (right side) of the engine block, typically near the bell housing. Access will involve working in a relatively tight space. You may need to remove some components for better access, such as the air cleaner assembly, possibly some heat shields, and potentially parts of the exhaust system. Your repair manual will guide you on which components to remove.
2. Disconnect the Electrical Connections: Locate the two large cables connected to the starter (positive and ground). Carefully disconnect these using a wrench. Clean the terminals with a wire brush to ensure good contact when reassembling. Take photos or make notes to remember how the connections were made.
3. Remove the Starter Bolts: The starter is usually held in place by two or three bolts. These can be notoriously difficult to access and may require extensions and wobbly sockets. Apply penetrating oil to the bolts beforehand to help loosen them. If the bolts are stubborn, use a breaker bar for extra leverage. Again, your repair manual will show the exact location of these bolts.
4. Remove the Starter: Once the bolts are removed, the starter might still be stuck. Gently pry it loose using a pry bar. A starter puller can be very helpful here, making the process easier and less likely to damage components.
5. Install the New Starter: Carefully install the new starter, ensuring it's properly seated. Replace the bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque (found in your repair manual).
6. Reconnect the Electrical Connections: Reconnect the positive and ground cables to the new starter. Make sure they are secure.
7. Reassemble: Carefully reinstall any components you removed to gain access to the starter.
8. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
9. Test the Starter: Attempt to start the engine.
Important Considerations:
* Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench and tighten the starter bolts to the correct torque specification, found in your repair manual. Over-tightening can damage the starter or engine block.
* Grounding: A poor ground connection can cause starting problems. Ensure all grounding points are clean and tight.
* Professional Help: If you are uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, it's always best to take your Corvette to a qualified mechanic. This is especially true if you are not familiar with automotive repair.
This is a general guide. Always consult a 1990 Chevy Corvette repair manual for detailed instructions, diagrams, and torque specifications specific to your vehicle. Failing to do so could result in damage to your vehicle or personal injury.
