Ive got a 78 F150 and the wipers will only work on high. After searching I found out about the cracked solder joints in the governor. I removed mine and it rattled, so I pulled it apart and found the heatsink/diode combo were cracked loose like everyone else posted, but also the large capacitor had fallen off the board and was rattling around in the case.
I was wondering if someone who had one laying around or didnt mind pulling theirs off and taking the cover off could post a pic, or describe really well which way the negative side of the cap. should be on the board so I can solder mine back together.

Thanks in advance for any help
Tim C

 

The intermittant wiper governor used on 1978/79 F100/350's & Bronco's, is not the same as the governor used on 1973/77 F100/350's.

D3TZ17C476A .. Intermittant Wiper Governor / Fits: 1973/77 F100/350.

D8TZ17C476A .. Intermittant Wiper Governor / Fits: 1978/79 F100/350 & Bronco.

Both these governors are obsolete, no Ford or obsolete dealer has any.

btw: The intermittant wiper system was an option, so not all these vehicles will have it.

 

Are the 80 up govenors the same as the 78-79 govenors???

 

Plug the governor back in in the truck, turn it on, and carefully measure the voltage across the terminals where the capacitor connects. The polarity of the voltmeter leads to get a positive reading will tell you what polarity the capacitor should be connected.

 

No, They are not the same.

But... they can be made to work with a little modification.

Do a search, and the proceedure should pop up.

 

scottscott...Post #2 = did you notice this Ford part number?
If it fit later models, I would have said so.

 

I have one out of a 85 F150 in my 1977 F250 4x4 and the 77 was not intermittent to start with, and yes it was mostly plug and play just trun the second part of the plug around (It will pulg in backwards) and this makes the squirters work with out moving any wires. I guess I should have said I have the switch and the govoner and wiring out of the 85 F150 in my 77. Total cost 2.99 at the local pull n save.

 

thanks for the help, i got it working again

 

how would i be able to tell if my truck originally came with intermittent or non-intermittent wipers? i put an intermittent switch in the truck and now it works for a little while and then just stops... i'm lost! Thanks
-Nic

 

If your truck has intermittent wipers there will be a small box (governor) under the dash near the wiper switch.
In non-intermittent applications, the switch plugs directly into the main wiring harness. In intermittent applications, the switch plugs into a short pigtail from the windshield wiper governor, then the governor plugs into the main harness.
Here's a pretty crappy picture of the governor.
BTW welcome to FTE.

 

I have had the ntermittent switch hooked up for over two years now and my wipers have never worked correctly BECAUSE I don have the little box!! I'm buying the new switch tonight. THANKS SOOO MUCH!