VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 Wiper Motor

My wiper motor will only sweep once, with no return stroke. Any advice before I pop it open and start poking around?

Thanks.

lubricate it.

First thing to try-
Remove vacuum hose from manifold.Place end of hose in container of auto. trans. fluid.Work wipers back and forth by hand.This will draw fluid into the motor internals.Reconnect hose and give it a try.If it helps just a little do it again and let it sit overnight before starting engine.
If this dosen't help motor must be taken apart and regreased.

Thanks for the replies. I'd already filled it with air tool oil about a week ago before I tried it this morning.

Looks like I'm going in. Wish me luck.

Clean out the old hard grease and coat edge of paddle with fresh.....most important is to make notes as to how it came apart.

If you have a ditigal camera, have someone with clean hands work the camera. With each step of removal have them take some photos before the piece is removed and then of the piece itself. This has helped me with some of the work I've done. Maybe that'll help you. Also lay out all the pieces in the order they came off on a clean rag or paper so that they can be easily seen and photographed. Set this aside in an area that won't get disturbed. You may not need to print them all off, but if you need to refer back to them you'll have a record of it. Good luck!

The motors are not too complicated but easily damaged. First step is to take off the small cover (early ones are held on by two screws, later friction fit) opposite the shaft. Take a picture of the parts before disassembly. Carefully lift the cradle from the slot. Too much streaching will render the spring useless. Next, I use needle nose pliers to unscrew the oblong headed screws holding the top cover. Wish I had the correct socket head driver but never laid eyes on one. Be extremely careful in removing the cover. It is thin die-cast and easily broken. Working a sharp knife blade around the edge works for me. Try to save the gaskets. They are available but will take time to get replacements. They are very thin and critical to proper operation. Once the cover is removed then you will be able to inspect the inside of the motor, remove the paddle assembly. If everything is smooth, clean and lubricate with light grease (a special wiper grease is best but petroleum jelly has worked for me, also used outboard motor lower unit grease). Put back together and test. Moving the shaft back and forth with valve open and closed should result in loud hissing sound in both directions and a click at the end of each sweep. If not "it ain't gunna work" and a replacement or professional assistance is required.

I happen to be the owner of a Trico wiper repair kit. It includes The elusive tool, as well as some official lube. The lube looks like Vaseline but does not change viscosity?? with temperature changes.
The tool...well I have good news for all of you. You can easily make a tool by starting with a section of 1/4" steel fuel/brake line. You know, the chunk you cut off and couldn't bring yourself to throw away. Start with a 4" to 6" piece, on one end do whatever is necessary to make it so you can drive it into a wooden file handle from the hardware store. On the other end, gently mash it into an oval and keep trying it until it fits snugly over those strange screw heads. It should work and look just like the factory Trico screwdriver.
The kit also includes go and no-go gauges to test the wiper body for distortion and wear.
Good Luck.
Mike

Thanks for all the tips.

I have a digicam and yes, it's covered with greasy fingerprints.

It's been indespensible in reassembling stuff.

Except when I put the fuel pump on upside down.