66 windshield wiper won't turn off

[Ronald W.]

Tried my windshield wipers after sitting for a few months.

At first they would not come on. I jiggled the switdh a little and after about 30 seconds they came on. Low and high speed and windshiedl washer works but now it will not turn off. Continues to run at the low speed.

Any ideas?

Please tell me it is the switch and not the motor.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Ron

[Mike M.]

Re: 66 windshield wiper won't turn off

Ron: My '65 did the same thing. Would not turn off. As I was trying to go for a TF (achieved 11/12) I sent the motor off for a rebuild (a place in S.Car-I forget the name). Bought a new switch too. Good luck on a fix (as I am not helping much).
Mike

[Rob M.]

Re: 66 windshield wiper won't turn off

Ron,

I would pull the switch, clean it up real good, check connections and try again. If the condition continues, try a new switch.

From what you describe it doesn't sound like the motor (both speeds and the washer pump work).

good luck

[Dan H.]

Re: 66 windshield wiper won't turn off

Ronald, had same problem, was because the grease inside the wiper motor had dried/thickened so it made the levers and cam stick. Needed a good cleaning. Works perfect now, send yours to a GOOD wiper guy. Also lube the button on the wiper switch so it's smooth.
Dan

[Duke W.]

Re: 66 windshield wiper won't turn off

This is a common problem, and the cause is usually what Dan said. Old dried up grease in the gearbox and the shutoff malfunction is typically the first symptom. The motors and switch are typically okay.

The procedure to disassemble and reassemble the gearbox is in the '63 Corvette Shop manual and probably later COMs. Typically no parts are required - just labor, and it's a DIY job. Use a full synthetic NGLI #2 grease and they the gearbox should be good for another 40 years.

Duke

[Ronald W.]

Re: 66 windshield wiper won't turn off

This is a common problem, and the cause is usually what Dan said. Old dried up grease in the gearbox and the shutoff malfunction is typically the first symptom. The motors and switch are typically okay.

The procedure to disassemble and reassemble the gearbox is in the '63 Corvette Shop manual and probably later COMs. Typically no parts are required - just labor, and it's a DIY job. Use a full synthetic NGLI #2 grease and they the gearbox should be good for another 40 years.

Duke

Can a reasonable job be done by removing the cover plate, leaving the motor in place or does the motor need to be removed from the car.

Thanks, Ron

[Tom D.]

Re: 66 windshield wiper won't turn off

If removing the wiper motor: Access all four mounting bolts from the right side, after removal of the glove box and the defroster duct.

To re-install, use two or three threaded long bolts with the heads cut off. This will help you line up the wiper motor with the holes in the firewall. (This was first mentioned on this discussion by another NCRS member. Search for more such tips. It was discussed not too long ago.)

[Duke W.]

Re: 66 windshield wiper won't turn off

There's no way I would attempt to disassemble and clean/regrease the wiper gearbox with it on the car.

I recall when I did mine I checked the operation with a 12V power supply with the cover off and could clearly see the malfunction of the shut off cam. Once it was all cleaned up and greased I checked it again before installing on the car and it worked perfectly.

It's a very interesting and cleverly designed mechanism to watch in action.

Duke

[Wayne W.]

Re: 66 windshield wiper won't turn off

I never remove the motor, just the cover. The only real problem is getting the washer mechanism in the proper position to reinstall the cover.