Wiper issues

[technocj]

My 85 van started blowing the fuse for the front wipers a few days ago. I drove the van from NY to NC, ordered a replacement motor. It seems that the fuse blows at random, not when the wipers are in use. I removed the instrument cluster and steering column covers to examine the wiring as best I could. I don't have wiring diagrams with me here. What I am wondering, is the motor energized, and switch completes the circuit to ground? If that is so, could an internal short in the motor be causing the issue? I have other outstanding electrical issues with the van. The fuel gauge and temp gauge are both inop. I know these are fairly common issues with the vans. Thanks for any insight.

[coronan]

Pin 4 of the motor is energised when you switch the wipers to off. This allows the motor to get to the home position.
I would unplug the wiper motor and see if the fuse still pops.

3522

[coronan]

My front wipers quit working on the way home last weekend. Luckily it was raining and not snowing. I peered between the rain drops for 1.5 hrs to get home.

Unplugging the unit. I jumpered power to it and the motor hummed but no action on the windshiled. I pulled the unit for easier testing. If your small like me: you can pull the wiper motor with out pulling the dash. All you need are a couple wobble extensions and its out in 15 minutes.

Very difficult to photograph; But the splines are stripped, were the motor connects to the arm linkage.

3523


Rather than drop $100 on a new motor that i don't need. I'm going to attempt to fix it.
Loctite 660 is a metal gap filling epoxy.
http://www.loctite.sg/sea/content_data/93755_Loctite_660_Quick_Metal_Retaining_Compound.p df

I'm only going to clean the wiper motor male splines with hopes that the loctite fill the gap but does not bond to the female side making this backwards compatible when I do need to replace the motor. I already have this stuff laying around so cost is nothing to try it.

Don't forget to home your wiper motor before you reinstall it.

[coronan]

I was wrong. The splines mate with a sheet metal arm. Retained by a nut / nylock.
Out comes the gauge cluster.

The wiper motor needs a M8 x 1 nylock nut.
Rare as my local fastner suppliers say its special order.
Looks like I'll be be buying a 25 pack from McMaster.com
Part # 90576A116 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#)

If ya need one let me know cause I can't ever see needing 24 more.

[TotesVan]

Hi!

I could use a M8 Nylock nut if you still have them - message me if you're willing and we can work something out. Mine went missing somehow, which means I haven't had working windshield wipers in about a month, not ideal when you live in the rainy PNW!

Thanks!


I was wrong. The splines mate with a sheet metal arm. Retained by a nut / nylock.
Out comes the gauge cluster.

The wiper motor needs a M8 x 1 nylock nut.
Rare as my local fastner suppliers say its special order.
Looks like I'll be be buying a 25 pack from McMaster.com
Part # 90576A116 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#)

If ya need one let me know cause I can't ever see needing 24 more.

[Ace MM]

What I am wondering, is the motor energized, and switch completes the circuit to ground?.
Yes.
shockingly, you'll find this with old Japanese vehicles.