1972 Windshield Wipers Don't work
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Joined: Oct 2008
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1972 Windshield Wipers Don't work
Hello Guys -
First post here and a new owner of a 1972 Stingray. I am sure this question has come up many times, but I am new here so give me a break!
My windshield wipers do not work. When the car is on, I hit the wiper switch and nothing occours. I would like to fix this problem myself, and was wondering if anyone could give me a starting point as to what I should begin. Also, If anyone has any diagrams to help with this process they would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for any answers.
First post here and a new owner of a 1972 Stingray. I am sure this question has come up many times, but I am new here so give me a break!
My windshield wipers do not work. When the car is on, I hit the wiper switch and nothing occours. I would like to fix this problem myself, and was wondering if anyone could give me a starting point as to what I should begin. Also, If anyone has any diagrams to help with this process they would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for any answers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Do you have power to the wiper motor?
Does the wiper cowl door have vacuum to it? Do you have a cowl door, or an extra long hood that replaces the cowl door?
How much mechanical ability do you have?
As you can see, there is a bit more info we need to be able to help you solve a problem over the computer. Give us all the info you have, important or not.........spill it.
Does the wiper cowl door have vacuum to it? Do you have a cowl door, or an extra long hood that replaces the cowl door?
How much mechanical ability do you have?
As you can see, there is a bit more info we need to be able to help you solve a problem over the computer. Give us all the info you have, important or not.........spill it.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 52
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I will have to check the wiper motor power. I am out doing that now. The wiper cowl does not open when I hit the wiper switch, so I am assuming there is a vacuum issue somewhere. Some of the vacuum hoses appear to have been replaced.
I have worked on a lot of cars over the years so I am hoping to be able to track this problem down. There are a few wires that have been cut, but sure where they head so I guess I need to asses this and determine the wiring issue before I can determine if that is the issue. The gentleman that owned the car passed away and was in the middle of correcting this issue at the time so I don't have much explanation as to where he was at with it. All his wife could tell me is that thy didn't work when he bought the car and ever did when he owned it.
Thank You for your reply.
I have worked on a lot of cars over the years so I am hoping to be able to track this problem down. There are a few wires that have been cut, but sure where they head so I guess I need to asses this and determine the wiring issue before I can determine if that is the issue. The gentleman that owned the car passed away and was in the middle of correcting this issue at the time so I don't have much explanation as to where he was at with it. All his wife could tell me is that thy didn't work when he bought the car and ever did when he owned it.
Thank You for your reply.
Last edited by ArthurMartin; Oct 12, 2008 at 05:18 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
If memory serves me correctly, the wiper override **** should be turned all the way clockwise. Otherwise, it will stop the wipers in their place so that you can change your wipers. If you park the wipers and then turn the ****, they will appear to not work.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 16
From: Fl
Give Doc Rebuild a call - he has a fantastic vacuum raouting diagram that covers the headlights as well as the wiper door.
It is very detailed and easy to trace.
For the electrical motor T/S, get a copy of the Service manual for 1972. It has the wiring diagrams in the rear of the book.
Only real advice I can give - be very patient with this.
There are several actuators and switches that need to be systematically checked for correct functionality.
Bill
It is very detailed and easy to trace.
For the electrical motor T/S, get a copy of the Service manual for 1972. It has the wiring diagrams in the rear of the book.
Only real advice I can give - be very patient with this.
There are several actuators and switches that need to be systematically checked for correct functionality.
Bill
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Joined: Oct 2008
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What do the 2 switches to either side of the **** under the steering column do?
Thanks I will check with Doc rebuild.
Upon inspection the vacuum tubes leading to the wiper motor are not attached so this is sure to be a issue. I can lift the cowl cover to the wipers when the car is off, but when I start the car it closes with some force. If I just turn the ignition and hit the wiper switch I hear a click, but nothing happens..
Thanks I will check with Doc rebuild.
Upon inspection the vacuum tubes leading to the wiper motor are not attached so this is sure to be a issue. I can lift the cowl cover to the wipers when the car is off, but when I start the car it closes with some force. If I just turn the ignition and hit the wiper switch I hear a click, but nothing happens..
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 11
From: No Prov RI
Manualy activate the wiper door by going through the hole in the actuater (remove the black rubber plug) with a screw driver. if the door opens and the wipers work then you know you have a vacume problem . If the wipers dont work....it could be the switch activated by the door or it could be your overide switch under the dash in the wrong position or it could be a wireing problem or a ground. its a process of elimination, but if all the components are there and not Bubba'd up you should figure it out with little grief 
Hammadown
Hammadown
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
i had the same problem
definitely manually open the door via the rubber plug. if the wipers work with the cover off then take off the gold actuator on the passengers side and check the cone shaped diaphram inside of it.
mine had torn and would let air leak.
like 10 dollars later its all good.
get the repair guide from corvette central or ecklers.
it goes into step by step what to check from the manifold to the headlights to the doors.
i got mine working perfectly in about 20 minutes and 10 dollars but using the guide.
definitely manually open the door via the rubber plug. if the wipers work with the cover off then take off the gold actuator on the passengers side and check the cone shaped diaphram inside of it.
mine had torn and would let air leak.
like 10 dollars later its all good.
get the repair guide from corvette central or ecklers.
it goes into step by step what to check from the manifold to the headlights to the doors.
i got mine working perfectly in about 20 minutes and 10 dollars but using the guide.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I'm going to "try to" solve this problem for all with the 70-72 wipers. I'm writing a test for the electrical and vacuum systems and give people a test sequence for both (A flow chart if possible).
I thought I could do this tonight but time has run out for me. When I’m done with this, I will post it and possibly someone can put this in the archive section.
This system seems complicated, but it really is not! With the posted vacuum chart from Dr. Rebuild, and the electrical diagram below you should be able to figure this out. I have already made vacuum and electrical diagrams for the car and now I’m going to merge then as a flow chart showing what should happen in what order. I will try to have this done in a few days if possible and post to our help and repair section when completed. (Time permitting).
Below you will find a picture of the electrical system diagram. This link http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...elp.php?hID=95 will have electrical test on it so you can test your motor to make sure it is working before you pull it from the car. About 90 percent of purchased wiper motors are not needed!
If between the two diagrams you can not figure this out, email me direct at Willcoxcustomerservice@Willcoxcorvette.c om. I’m positive we can help you figure this out.
Willcox Inc.
I thought I could do this tonight but time has run out for me. When I’m done with this, I will post it and possibly someone can put this in the archive section.
This system seems complicated, but it really is not! With the posted vacuum chart from Dr. Rebuild, and the electrical diagram below you should be able to figure this out. I have already made vacuum and electrical diagrams for the car and now I’m going to merge then as a flow chart showing what should happen in what order. I will try to have this done in a few days if possible and post to our help and repair section when completed. (Time permitting).
Below you will find a picture of the electrical system diagram. This link http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...elp.php?hID=95 will have electrical test on it so you can test your motor to make sure it is working before you pull it from the car. About 90 percent of purchased wiper motors are not needed!
If between the two diagrams you can not figure this out, email me direct at Willcoxcustomerservice@Willcoxcorvette.c om. I’m positive we can help you figure this out.
Willcox Inc.
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jul 9, 2009 at 09:18 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I agree its not complicated but there are a lot of things that have to work together and in order.This system is far less complicated than building an engine,trans,rear end or trailing arm bearings.
Looking forward to your test sequence paper AND the "link" to it.It will definitely be appreciated.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 52
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When I made this post I had no idea I would get so much help. I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate every post that has been made. Willcox Corvette I look forward to seeing your final test/flow chart. You guys are great.
Thank You
Thank You
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 11
From: No Prov RI
I'm going to "try to" solve this problem for all with the 70-72 wipers. I'm writing a test for the electrical and vacuum systems and give people a test sequence for both (A flow chart if possible).
I thought I could do this tonight but time has run out for me. When I’m done with this, I will post it and possibly someone can put this in the archive section.
This system seems complicated, but it really is not! With the posted vacuum chart from Dr. Rebuild, and the electrical diagram below you should be able to figure this out. I have already made vacuum and electrical diagrams for the car and now I’m going to merge then as a flow chart showing what should happen in what order. I will try to have this done in a few days if possible and post to our help and repair section when completed. (Time permitting).
Below you will find a picture of the electrical system diagram. This link http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...elp.php?hID=95 will have electrical test on it so you can test your motor to make sure it is working before you pull it from the car. About 90 percent of purchased wiper motors are not needed!
If between the two diagrams you can not figure this out, email me direct at Willcoxcustomerservice@Willcoxcorvette.c om. I’m positive we can help you figure this out.
Willcox Inc.
I thought I could do this tonight but time has run out for me. When I’m done with this, I will post it and possibly someone can put this in the archive section.
This system seems complicated, but it really is not! With the posted vacuum chart from Dr. Rebuild, and the electrical diagram below you should be able to figure this out. I have already made vacuum and electrical diagrams for the car and now I’m going to merge then as a flow chart showing what should happen in what order. I will try to have this done in a few days if possible and post to our help and repair section when completed. (Time permitting).
Below you will find a picture of the electrical system diagram. This link http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...elp.php?hID=95 will have electrical test on it so you can test your motor to make sure it is working before you pull it from the car. About 90 percent of purchased wiper motors are not needed!
If between the two diagrams you can not figure this out, email me direct at Willcoxcustomerservice@Willcoxcorvette.c om. I’m positive we can help you figure this out.
Willcox Inc.
Hammadown
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Hammadown,
This wire schematic is only good for the 69 - 72.
There is a ton of info just on the 68 wiper system on our web site. The blue wire on the 68 car is a totally different wire. When we first did the picture above no one caught that it was marked 68-72 in the picture. If you look under 68 on the site, the picture above will not show up. You will get the one from the links below.
Here is the schematic for the 68 only cars. Wiring for 68 only!
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=201
Here is the test page for the 68 motor. (How to bench test a 68 wiper motor)
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=195
Here is a vacuum diagram for the 68 cars (Vacuum for Headlamps and Wiper system)
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=210
Willcox Inc
This wire schematic is only good for the 69 - 72.
There is a ton of info just on the 68 wiper system on our web site. The blue wire on the 68 car is a totally different wire. When we first did the picture above no one caught that it was marked 68-72 in the picture. If you look under 68 on the site, the picture above will not show up. You will get the one from the links below.
Here is the schematic for the 68 only cars. Wiring for 68 only!
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=201
Here is the test page for the 68 motor. (How to bench test a 68 wiper motor)
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=195
Here is a vacuum diagram for the 68 cars (Vacuum for Headlamps and Wiper system)
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=210
Willcox Inc
