Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

[Troy P.]

During Ops check it was discovered my windshield washer system did not work.

Years ago I had the wiper restored after a fire in the engine compartment. Wipers work fine but not sure I've ever tested/used the washers in all these years. Nevertheless I'm trying to get them working.

One thing of interest is when replacing the washer pump mechanism the shop manual says, "Install four washer pump to gear box retaining screws, position ground lug under lower screw." I'm assuming the ground lug it refers to is a flat brass strap I see coming from below the wiper. But I see that strap is attached to one of the wiper screws, not one of the washer screws. This is how it came back from the professional wiper restorer.

Could my problem be that the brass ground strap should be attached to the washer pump and not the wiper?

Any photos of how the installed wiper/washer would be appreciated.

What color plastic/nylon should the washer plate that contains the hose connections be for a very early 63? Mine is white but I was thinking maybe black was correct for that part.

[Donald O.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

To check the switch, unplug the two wire connector from the washer pump. Apply a 12vdc to either terminal on pump and a ground to the other while the wipers are operating at either speed. If the washer works, the fault could be the wiper/washer switch. If the washers still won't work, the fault could be the pump. In either situation for failure, the fault could also be the wiring to the washer

Don

[Troy P.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

That process is discussed in the shop manual.

But I'd really like to know if the flat brass ground strap is attached to the correct place - wiper motor vs. washer motor. Secondly does it even matter?

I assume that there is some metal to metal connection between the wiper case and washer case that might provide a ground path even if the ground strap is attached to the wrong bolt. But maybe not.

[Brian T.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

Pictured is a 5044518 wiper motor that was off of a very original 64. We just restored the unit and preserved the date stamping, that was non typical of factory restored motors. Note the strap that you inquired about, properly attached with the ground terminal under the washer head screen. You will also see the correct Rochester supplied one piece washer valve that was used on 63-64 wiper motors.

[Troy P.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

Great reply and photo.

That's the way my brass strap is connected. But isn't that screw to the wiper case rather than the washer motor case? If so there is an error in the service manual narrative discussing where to attach it.

Nozzles are semi transparent white as opposed to white. Is that just ageing?

[Brian T.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

Troy,
The cast washer pump housing is riveted in two places to a metal plate. That plate is then bolted in four places directly to the wiper motor case. Three screws are washer head, the top left is not a washer head, and will have a "gl" head marking. That screw does appear to be the same as the pump cover screws but is in fact unique and the only head markings on original motors will be the "gl". The washer valve is definitely semi transparent and will become more cloudy and yellow with age. You may be thinking of the two piece Trico design valve that started in 1965. The 63-64 Rochester valve was troublesome in service and replaced with the trico valve.

[Joe R.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

Hi Troy,

Try putting an Ohmmeter between the screw to the wiper case and the washer motor case. If you read less than an Ohm or so, both points are grounded and it doesn't make a difference electrically which one you connect to.

Joe

[Troy P.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

Since you helped me determine the ground strap is in the correct position I then went to step one in the washer testing. Pulled the brown connector and put 12V and ground to the two prongs exposed. Turned on wipers and no pumping detected.

Put connector back on and ran wipers while pushing button on the switch. I could hear each push result in a click from the wiper/washer area so it seems to me the switch is working but the pump is not.

So is the problem with the pump itself or could it be the washer valve? If it is the washer valve I think that would be easy to deal with. If it is the pump the shop manual says to take it off. But what do you do after that? Don't see any instructions for fixing it.

BTW I had the wiper/washer restored about 23 years ago by a member that specializes in that work. I don't recall ever using the washer after reinstallation. On the outside it still looks freshly restored.

[Donald O.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

Since you helped me determine the ground strap is in the correct position I then went to step one in the washer testing. Pulled the brown connector and put 12V and ground to the two prongs exposed. Turned on wipers and no pumping detected.

Put connector back on and ran wipers while pushing button on the switch. I could hear each push result in a click from the wiper/washer area so it seems to me the switch is working but the pump is not.

So is the problem with the pump itself or could it be the washer valve? If it is the washer valve I think that would be easy to deal with. If it is the pump the shop manual says to take it off. But what do you do after that? Don't see any instructions for fixing it.

BTW I had the wiper/washer restored about 23 years ago by a member that specializes in that work. I don't recall ever using the washer after reinstallation. On the outside it still looks freshly restored.

Troy,
take the washer top off and check the softness of the three valves. They should be very soft and pliable, replace if not. If that doesn't solve the no-pump condition, then its time to replace the pump bellows. I don't know if that part is available through the usual vendors. If not, send the wiper/washer to either
our own Joe Ray,

or Steve Hackell
15000 S. Knox Ave.
Midlothian, IL 60445
1-708-687-4183

Two of the best and most honest

Don

[Troy P.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

Pulled the washer valve assembly. All three non-return valves seem fine. But since I have it off I thought I'd replace anyway.

Got strange looks at local auto parts stores when I showed them what I wanted until I got to the third store who had a counterperson old enough to recognize it. Trico parts arrive tomorrow.

While valves are off I pushed in the bellows plunger a few times to ensure it was not bound up and ran the wiper/washer with the valves off to see that the plunger/bellows are moving. That's a relief telling me the pump does move as designed. No electrical problem.


In comparing with the photo sent by Brian I see the 4 bolts that hold my washer valve assembly on are much longer than the original. I may cut them down to size. On the other hand this car is a driver and that may be overkill.

[Mike M.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

did u prime the washer system? several of our midyears wouldn't spray till i primed the washer system. i took a 60cc syringe full of water and injected the water into the hose going into the washer fluid resivior(after removing the plastic filter on the end of the hose) till it came out the washer pump distribution block(the plastic piece to which the 3 rubber hoses attach to). mike

[Troy P.]

Re: Mid-year wiper/washer motor ground

Mike, after making sure the lines and nozzles weren't clogged, priming was the next thing I tried. Hoped for something easy.