I was replacing my vacuum operated wipers with a 6v electric motor ('53 F100) and before I touched any wiring I slipped the electric motor into place. Since I was working alone, I propped the wiper arms into place with a 1"dowel near the left where the wiper "receiver" pops through the valance. I'll say again, I hadn't intentionally touched any wiring. Shortly after that, I started to see smoke coming out from under the hood (I have no sense of smell).

I quickly removed the negative lead to the battery. What I found was a wire attached to the ground block on the right hand side of the firewall in the number three position going back to what I believe to be the solenoid had cooked off it's insulation. I made a replacement and hooked it all back up. I looked around under the dash and didn't see anything out of place or two wires grounding each other out. My wires; like I assume everyone else's are, cloth wrapped with the added bonus of some of those wires are starting to lose that wrapping.

Trying to continue moving forward, I completed the installation of the wiper switch and connected it to the ignition as the shop manual suggests. After doing these things I hooked the battery back up and before I even turned the ignition, the same wire was warm so I took the lead back off of the battery.

. I have a few problems here. The truck lives on Block Island and I live in Connecticut. When I'm not here the house is rented out and I'm only here until Sunday then not back until maybe September or October. At this point, it is a boat anchor. If I could, I would like to resolve this problem and I have a multimeter but little understanding on how to use it. If anyone has any suggestions for things to look for, please let me know. If I can resolve this problem, I'd like to find a professional to replace my whole damn harness. It is a hot mess and could really use it.

For the sake of expediency, if someone wanted to call me that would be great. Send me a private message and I will give you my number or just leave yours in the message and I will give you a call.

Kevin

 

Where did you get the new to you motor from?
did you bench test it to confirm it’s good before install?

 

I keep stating... The problem started BEFORE I hooked up the motor.

***EDIT*** Sorry, I have been fielding this answer on another thread where I cross-posted to non-local people for extra help since I have limited time with the vehicle.