Cannot remove Quicksilver 855 wiper motor

[Bowlerhat]

I have a QS 855 weekend with kaput wiper motor. The engineer tells me that it is impossible to remove the old motor because of the clearance between the outer skin of fibreglass, to which the motor is fixed, and the deck head fibreglass that appears to have been fitted after the motor and therefore in such a way as to restrict the clearances and render it impossible to remove the motor. Any experience, hints or tips? There’s always an option to hack it out but that would be last resort. Thank you.

 

[[164147]]

Have you spoken to the UK distributor? Seems unlikely something so fundamental would be installed like this?

 

[BruceK]

Does that deckhead not bolt in? I have a completely different boat but had a similar issue and ended up relocating my windscreen motors to the top of the windscreen. If it is the starboard motor maybe removing the MFD on the helm will give you access to the interior, otherwise its going to be a big job to lift and remove the moulding.

 

[Bowlerhat]

Thanks for the answers. Barrus import the parts. I spoke to them today and the only person to have ordered a QS 855 wiper motor through them is me. I also spoke to Marine Sales Scotland who are the uber Quicksilver dealer in the UK (unless anyone can advise otherwise) and they have never done a wiper motor change on an 855. Seems to me that before any fibreglass gets chopped I need to find a way of getting to the QS manufacturer, who should either fess up to the design fault or provide the Houdini solution. Not sure how to do that ... I presume the dealer network can speak directly to the manufacturer (the QS web pages don’t give a ‘contact’ option).

 

[[164147]]

I would pass responsibility to the dealer to find out for you. Is there any warranty on the boat?

 

[Bowlerhat]

No, but I’m considering a claim anyway if it really is the case that it’s impossible to remove them - and it looks as if it is. I am speaking to my local QS dealer today. Very frustrating - engine serviced, anti foul and anodes all done. No wipers!!!

 

[peterjaw]

No, but I’m considering a claim anyway if it really is the case that it’s impossible to remove them - and it looks as if it is. I am speaking to my local QS dealer today. Very frustrating - engine serviced, anti foul and anodes all done. No wipers!!!

Hi Bowlerhat,
Do you have any luck to sort out this problem?

My starboard wiper motor seized a few days ago and am trying to find any information in the cyber world.

 

[Bowlerhat]

Hi Peter. Yes, I know more more about QS855 wiper motors than I ever thought I would. Assuming your moulded access panels are the same as mine, there is no way of removing/replacing the motor without disassembling it. This is fine for removal, but the new one also needs to be disassembled to fit it. The QS factory say this is possible, but the OEM (AME equipment) were emphatic when I contacted them that this should not be done, because of the risk of disrupting the timing mechanism. I looked at the options carefully with the engineer and we both agreed that cutting a section of the moulding out to remove the motors and making good on completion was the easiest option (and an alternative suggested by the QS factory). The work is now complete on both motors and I’m happy. I have all the part numbers, drawings etc ... if you would like them pse PM me and we can chat it through further if that would help.

 

[Cattleya]

Hi Peter. Yes, I know more more about QS855 wiper motors than I ever thought I would. Assuming your moulded access panels are the same as mine, there is no way of removing/replacing the motor without disassembling it. This is fine for removal, but the new one also needs to be disassembled to fit it. The QS factory say this is possible, but the OEM (AME equipment) were emphatic when I contacted them that this should not be done, because of the risk of disrupting the timing mechanism. I looked at the options carefully with the engineer and we both agreed that cutting a section of the moulding out to remove the motors and making good on completion was the easiest option (and an alternative suggested by the QS factory). The work is now complete on both motors and I’m happy. I have all the part numbers, drawings etc ... if you would like them pse PM me and we can chat it through further if that would help.

Hi Bowlerhat,
I’m thankful to read your report. I have the exact same problem with my QS 855 - and I doubted my senses. If possible could you share a picture of the cut you made? Did you cut the inner shell or outer? Any further recommendations?
Your answer is much appreciated!
Regards Cattleya

 

[peterjaw]

Hi Bowlerhat,
I’m thankful to read your report. I have the exact same problem with my QS 855 - and I doubted my senses. If possible could you share a picture of the cut you made? Did you cut the inner shell or outer? Any further recommendations?
Your answer is much appreciated!
Regards Cattleya

Hi Cattleya,
I have 2 pictures from Bowlerhat which show how he cut the panels. You can see the silicone caulk and it shows you the cutting.

I just happened to see your question here and respond for Bowlerhat. Hope these pictures help.

 

[Cattleya]

Hi Peter!
Thanks for the pics! I will try to copy this cut and will report my experience.
Have a good day and thanks again!
Cattleya

 

[Bowlerhat]

Cattleya - I’m still on here. Happy to help if I can. I would advise using a fibreglass tradesperson to do the cut - it’s not as easy as it looks. Also, I would ensure you completely isolate the area with plastic sheets or similar or your boat and everything in it will get totally plastered in dust (sounds obvious, but it’s worth taking time over this as the dust really does get everywhere). Have you go the motor(s) yet?

 

[Cattleya]

Hey Bowlerhat - thanks for your reply. I appreciate your hints. I was wondering why your cut is so large. A smaller cut portion should be enough for the engine change, don't you think? Is it because you wanted one straight cutting line? I was told that osciallating powered tools make significant less dust compared to spinning cutting wheels. I assume I will buy such a tool and try it out. I haven't ordered the motor and gear yet. Where did you order yours? Thanks!

 

[Bowlerhat]

We cut out the section as shown to ensure ease of future access on all sides of the motor, should it be needed. It’s very tight in there!

You’re right on oscillating motors, but they’re not dust free! I bought very cheap plastic sheeting and sealed the area forward of the wipers so that the bed/master cabin stayed clean. Also around the master cabin door, if your running a power cable in.

The OEM is AME Equipment in the US. I’m in the UK and the prices below excluded delivery.

The starboard motor is AME part number 235-2165. The price from AME was $425 USD.

The port motor is AME part number 235-2164. The price from AME is $375 USD.

Not sure where you’re located, but your QS distributor maybe able to save you a bit on import charges/delivery.

Good luck!