1968 Wiper problems...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
1968 Wiper problems...
On my 1968 Convertible, if I have the wiper motor plugged up, it drains my battery in a matter of minutes. If I unplug it, no battery problems. Also, if I have the solenoid hooked up, when the ca is on the wiper door raises. Do i have the vacuum lines switched, or does it sound like my override switch is bad. The reason I think it is the motor is because even when the door is raised, my wipers do not work. Please help, where should I start the checking process or the replacement process. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Your wiper motor may be jammed. It always will draw power untill it parks. I would un-do the wiper arm lever from the motor and try it again. Make sure the black ground wire on the wiper pump housing is attached. G/L
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,248
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
Can't help too much. I think there was a posting here by someone who seemed to be pretty knowledgeable about the 68 wiper. Part of the his posting I remember is that the windings of the 68 wiper motor are always "hot;" i.e. connected to 12 volts. If a short appears, current will flow through the windings and drain the battery.
I was plagued with a similar problem with my 68. The wiper motor would spontaneously come on, say in the middle of the night, and drain the motor. After a lot of frustrating fruitless trouble shooting, I installed a 1969 wiper system. This was surprisingly not an easy conversion (and also required cutting into harnesses.) The windings of a 69 and up wiper are not "hot" until you turn the wipers on.
I was plagued with a similar problem with my 68. The wiper motor would spontaneously come on, say in the middle of the night, and drain the motor. After a lot of frustrating fruitless trouble shooting, I installed a 1969 wiper system. This was surprisingly not an easy conversion (and also required cutting into harnesses.) The windings of a 69 and up wiper are not "hot" until you turn the wipers on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 1
From: End of the Ike IL
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Uncertain if this will correct your problem, but check the adjustment nut on the wiper door vacuum can on the passenger side of the firewall. After some engine work, I hooked my can back up but did not adjust it properly and the wiper door got "locked" in the up position. Disconnected the vacuum hose, adjusted the nut, reattached the hose and the door has operated properly ever since.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 365
Likes: 1
From: Glenview IL
Had the exact same problem with my 68. The park switch in the motor was bad, and the solenoid was always "on". Thats why my door was always up. Quick test.....disconnect, then reconnect the battery. You should hear an audible "click" from the solenoid if this is the problem. Also, if you pull the electric connector from the solenoid, the door should go down when the car is running. You can get a rebuilt wiper motor from Auto Zone for about $40. Exact fit, worked like a charm. One of my favorite fixes so far on the vette. Its so cool the first time that door opens and closes the way it should.
Good luck
~Rich
Good luck
~Rich
