Replacing starter in 1990 Miata

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2008 2:35 pm

No, I didn't buy a Miata. But a neighbor has one and is looking to me for help (i.e. I do it and he watches). I have yet to decide if he is truly someone in need of help, or if I am just free and easy labor, but that is a different topic.

Anyhow, I have zero Miata experience, but am assuming it would be much like any other starter replacement. Disconnect battery, jack up, unbolt, undo wiring, remove and replace. Any tips or tricks that I need to know about? Any special tools make this go faster, hard to reach nuts, etc?

Frank Catena · **Joined:** Wed Aug 27, 2003 1:08 pm **Posts:** 418

Can't say I've done a starter on a '90 , but looking at the location an assortment of ratchet extensions and a universal would be handy. If you can, snap a pic before taking it apart ... pretty sure the clutch line runs through there and the bracket shares the mounting bolts?

Lupella might jump in here, but since you started with "disconnect the battery" you're two steps ahead of him !

Frank

Rob: You really think Joan will go for the tires in the dining room?

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:19 pm

Its not that bad....

If the intake manifold is out of the way!

Its only two bolts that hold it to the block. Its on the passenger side of the car. You "might" can get the bolts out from underneath better than from up top IIRC.

JamesFeinberg · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:44 pm

I'd have to agree with Ryan. It's been a long time since I've replaced one but I remember it being a bit of a pain in the rear. Be prepared with a couple of extensions of various lengths and at least one universal joint to make it easier.

You might try poking through the garage section of miata.net. If they don't have a writeup there, you'll likely find something searching through the forum.

Jim

RobLupella · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:56 pm

I have never replaced one, battery disconnected or not. Knock on wood, mine still works. Hell, I still have the original clutch.

Julie would not go for the tires in the house either, so I hope my garage stays above freezing. If mine crack, I'll just sue the person that sold them to me because he ought to have warned me of all potential hazards. Plus I think John Edwards needs a job.

Rob and his America

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

I've never replaced a starter, but have replaced the clutch which requires the removal of the starter bolts, I do not remember enjoying the process. The bolts are quite a bit of a pain to get too. Removing the passenger front wheel and accessing from there *might* work, otherwise if from beneath and painful.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:38 pm

I've found push starting a Miata isn't *that* bad. :twisted:

--Donnie

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:41 pm

Donnie Barnes wrote:

I've found push starting a Miata isn't *that* bad. :twisted:

--Donnie

Unless you are by yourself!

<---Push started my old Talon 1 time, boy was that fun

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2008 6:06 pm

It's a Miata. Put the top down and you can jump right in! Don't miss, though.

--Donnie

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2008 9:26 pm

Thanks everyone. I found a thread on miata.net that goes into some details...

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=230834

As you have all mentioned, it sounds like at least one nut is hard to deal with.

Donnie Barnes wrote:

I've found push starting a Miata isn't *that* bad. :twisted:

You are probably only half joking, but I pretty much suggested that once he finds a place that will replace the starter for him, I will help him push start it so he can drive it there.

THSCC Forums

Replacing starter in 1990 Miata

Who is online