Vac. Wiper half way working!

[Guest]

I finally got the courage to try the wipers. As I expected, they don't exactly work. Another lie from the guy I bought the car from on EBay. If anyone wants his name, let me know off line.

Anyway, the wipers move very well (quick) on the dry glass to about the 1/3 swipe angle and then stop. When I turn the switch off, they move very well (quick)back to the park position.

Question:
What should be cleaned or replaced in the motor, should I attempt it?

[Alexander]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

I have attempted to open an repair these motors. Be very careful, as the gaskets are very delicate and cannot be replaced. There are several things that can go wrong with these wipers. The grease in the wiper can harden, the leather valves can warp and harden and become nonfunctional. Worst is the body of the motor becomes warped, so the blade inside does not make contact throughout.

No parts are available for these wiper motors. Even if you find the problem, you may not be able to fix it.

www.wiperman.com is the best bet for getting a wiper motor back to new condition. I know it is a little expensive, but my 1959 T-Bird wiper motor failed after 40 years. A rebuild every 40 years is not so bad I figure.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[tbirdave]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

Convert to electric. I did about three years ago, you can do it in a weekend and man, what a difference. I have delay on mine which is great during the foggy season. tbirdave

[Guest]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

where did you buy the electrical wiper conversion? It sounds like the way to go.

[JohnG]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

rebuild of the vacuum motor is about $75, electric conversion about $189.

[Alexander]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

The sound of those vacuum wipers inhaling and exhaling on a rainy day adds to the experience of owning a Squarebird.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[Hawkrod]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

I would double check those wipers. Vacuum wipers are a funny thing and work weird. First of all I would not expect them to work well on a dry windshield so before you condem them check them out on a wet one. Also, they worked much better when a car was moving than idling in the driveway. You may actually find that they work great driving around in the rain and suck any other time. That is how mine are. Hawkrod

[peeeot]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

Is it normal for the vacuum motor to make an audible hiss when they AREN'T turned on? I've noticed I can hear them at idle. Idle quality is great, so it's not acting like a vacuum leak or anything, but...

[Alexander]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

No. If you have a hiss, you have a leak. The hiss may be your carburetor sucking air.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[JohnG]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

The washer switch to the left of the driver is prone to leaking air. The sealing methods in it leave alot to be desired. Easy to hear if that's it. Easy to eliminate if you dont have the pump, which most people don't. Just remove the lead to it and plug it.

[peeeot]

RE: Vac. Wiper half way working!

Nope, I don't have the washer switch. The hiss is definitely the wipers because it's coming from over on that side of the dash and it wasn't there before I hooked up the wipers. When I turn them on, they only move up an inch or so, and then an inch to go back down. Sound like an internal motor leak? I have the line plugged into the port farthest to the right, looking at the front of the motor with it removed.