When it comes to Corvette service and maintenance, there's no better guide than the Chevrolet Service and Overhaul Manual.
Yes, the book that was published by Chevrolet for the model year of your car.
These books are sometimes referred to as supplements. This means they are addendums to an earlier edition, and in the case of the 1976 Service and Overhaul Manual supplement, an update to the information in the 1974 Passenger Car Service and Overhaul manual.
Additionally, these manuals often include other Chevrolet models.
This one, for example, covers Chevelle, Camaro, Monte Carlo, and Nova automobiles in addition to the 1976 Corvette.
The book is over 400 pages long, so there's quite a bit of information packed in there along with over one thousand b&w photos and diagrams.
The Maintenance Schedule below is a condensed version of the one in the manual. For the complete schedule and more, get a copy of the manual or supplement for your model year.
The Section Index (Table of Contents) includes:
- General Information and Lubrication
- Heater and Air Conditioning
- Body
- Frame
- Front Suspension
- Brakes
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Emission Control Systems
- Engine Electrical
- Automatic Transmission
- Clutch and Manual Transmission
- Fuel Tank and Exhaust System
- Steering
- Wheels and Tires
- Chassis Sheet Metal
- Electrical: Body and Chassis
- Radiator and Grille
- Bumpers
- Accessories
- Specifications
CORVETTE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
LUBRICATION AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE
CHASSIS: Lube all grease fittings in the front suspension, steering linkage, and constant velocity universal joint. Also lubricate transmission shift linkage, hood latch and hinges, and parking brake cable guides and linkage.
FLUID LEVELS: Check the level of fluid in the brake master cylinder, power steering pump, motor oil, differential, transmission, and windshield washer.
ENGINE OIL: Change every 6 months or 7,500 miles, whichever occurs first under normal driving conditions.
ENGINE OIL FILTER: Replace at the first oil change and every other oil change thereafter.
TIRES: Steel belted radial tires should be rotated at first 7,500 miles and then at every 15,000 miles thereafter. Adjust tire pressure as shown on the tire placard on the rear face of the driver's door.
REAR AXLE: Change lubricant at 15,000 miles on positraction axles.
AIR CONDITIONING: Check the condition of air conditioning system hoses and refrigerant charge at sight glass (if so equipped). Replace hoses and/or refrigerant if needed. (Note: I let an A/C pro do this for me).
COOLING SYSTEM: 12-month or 15,000-mile intervals, wash radiator cap and filler neck with clean water, pressure test the system, and the radiator cap for proper holding capacity. Tighten hose clamps and inspect the condition of all cooling and heater hoses. Replace hoses every 24 months or 30,000 miles or earlier if checked, swollen, or otherwise deteriorated.
WHEEL BEARINGS: Clean and repack front wheel bearings with a lubricant as specified in the "Recommended Fluids and Lubricants" chart in this section.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID: Under normal driving conditions, change the transmission fluid and service the sump filter every 30,000 miles.
CLUTCH CROSS SHAFT: Lubricate clutch cross shaft lever.
TIRES AND WHEELS: Rotate tires as illustrated in Section 10 in this manual. Adjust tire pressures as recommended on the tire placard on the left front door. Check disc brake pads and condition of rotors while wheels are removed. Check tire inflation pressure monthly or more often if daily visual inspection indicates the need.
ENGINE DRIVE BELTS: Check belts driving the fan, AIR pump, Delcotron power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor for cracks fraying, wear, and tension. Adjust or replace them if necessary.
BRAKES AND POWER STEERING: Check lines and hoses for proper attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, deterioration, etc.
THROTTLE LINKAGE: Check for damaged or missing parts, interference, or binding.
UNDERBODY: Particular attention should be given to cleaning out underbody members where dirt and other foreign materials may have collected.
CARBURETOR CHOKE AND HOSES: Check the choke mechanism for proper operation. Check carburetor choke hoses for proper connection, cracking, abrasion, or deterioration and correct or replace as necessary.
ENGINE IDLE SPEED: Adjust engine idle speed accurately (following the specifications shown on the label under the hood).
CARBURETOR MOUNTING: At 7,500, 22,500, and 45,000 miles, or at indicated time intervals, torque carburetor attaching bolts and/or nuts to compensate for compression of the gasket.
FUEL FILTER: Replace filter (in the carburetor) at indicated intervals or more frequently if clogged.
VACUUM ADVANCE SYSTEM AND HOSES: Check the system for proper operation and hoses for proper connection, cracking, abrasion, or deterioration. Replace parts as necessary.
PCV SYSTEM: Check the PCV system for satisfactory operation at 12-month/15,000-mile intervals, and clean filter. Replace the PCV valve at 24-month/30,000-mile intervals and blow out the PCV valve hose with compressed air. Replace deteriorated hoses.
SPARK PLUG WIRES: Clean the exterior of wires and remove any evidence of corrosion on the end terminals. Inspect spark plug wires for evidence of checking, burning, or cracking of exterior insulation and tight fit at distributor cap and spark plugs or other deterioration. If corrosion cannot be removed or other conditions above are noted, replace the wire.
SPARK PLUGS: Replace plugs at 22,500-mile intervals.
TIMING AND DISTRIBUTOR CAP: Adjust ignition timing following the specifications shown on the label under the hood. Also, carefully inspect the interior and exterior of the distributor cap and rotor for cracks, carbon tracking, and terminal corrosion. Clean or replace it as necessary.
Again, this is a condensed list of service and maintenance requirements for the 1976 Corvette Stingray. For a complete list, please refer to the manual.
Product Links... (#sponsored)
• 1976 Corvette Stingray Owner's Manual
• 1976 Corvette Assembly Manual
• 1976 Corvette Service & Overhaul Manual
