Windscreen wiper motor fault

[StephenMack]

One of my windscreen wiper motors hasn't worked since we got the boat. I finally got round to checking it and can't see an obvious problem. However, the working motor reads 12.7V across the terminals but the faulty one only reads 11.3V. Is this cause or effect? Is the motor not working because there's a fault in the boat's wiring, or is the faulty motor causing a drop in voltage?

 

[Neeves]

I know nothing about windscreen wipers - I'm not even sure anyone here, in Sydney, would know what they are for

Why not swap the cables from the wiper that works to the wiper that does not work - that might be a good start.

I hate it when someone with what should be a simple question engenders no response - but you might find more help if you post in the 'Motor Boat Forum'. Many members here have masts, with sails, and windscreen wipers are a bit alien (as they are to me) - and Old Git has proved me wrong, again!

Jonathan

 

[oldgit]

Wipermotors failing are not an unheard of .
3 on my 30 year old boat.Two were working perfectly.Thumping the screen near the duff motor worked for little while.
It was of course the on in front of the helm.
Lack of use the problem. ?
Course of action is to remove the thing and open it it up.Getting securing nut off outside windscreen is a pain if corroded.
Lots of WD40.
Wiper shaft might have seized solid or gearbox full of rusty grease or the wiper motor itself has seized.
You can with care dismantle the electric motor and clean the communtator.
Problem is usually getting the brushes back in place.
Been down this road several times, usually end up buying new motor.
Best price was not on ebay but from a online chandlery.

 

[Bilgediver]

One of my windscreen wiper motors hasn't worked since we got the boat. I finally got round to checking it and can't see an obvious problem. However, the working motor reads 12.7V across the terminals but the faulty one only reads 11.3V. Is this cause or effect? Is the motor not working because there's a fault in the boat's wiring, or is the faulty motor causing a drop in voltage?

If your wiper is of the self parking variety then the fault could be in the motor or the electric circuit that controls starting and on off allows the motor to run till parking position is reached. Check this out it is usually under a cover at the drive end.

 

[ShinyShoe]

If you can't simply swap wires, does the voltage stay dropped when disconnected? Any difference if engine running so battery volts higher

 

[StephenMack]

Thanks for comments. Once the marina re-opens I'll try out your suggestions.