So I'm cruising down the freeway when it starts raining. Just my luck the wipers stop about halfway up the windshield and refuse to budge. I have a sneaking suspicion it's the wiper motor itself.
For a while the wipers would work but intermittently. They would do their thing then start to slow down then come to a stop. They would sit there for about 5 mins or so before working again like nothing ever happened. Then it would repeat the process after a few minutes. I've checked the voltage and everything appears to be normal. I haven't traced the wires to see if one of them fried or something. Any thoughts?

 

This is a stock 1960 12v electric wiper system? I'd bet on the brushes in the motor being worn down to nothing, especially in Oregon!

 

when you find out I'd like to know, mine did the same thing for 2 winters, but last winter they fixed themself, but I still don't trust them

 

Will do. It's been bugging me as well. I'll check those brushes, I didn't even think of looking at that.

 

There may be a simple thermostatic circuit breaker for the motor similar to the headlight circuit breaker. If they get overheated enough times they won't close after cooling off. Run a jumper wire directly from the battery to the motor leads and see if it operates. If it does, see how hot it get after operating a short while. If the motor has brushes the commutator may need turning.

 

Mine did that as well, but then it just up and quit forever... I bought a replacement from Mid50 or Macs, and good to go!

I see you are from Oregon like me, GOT TO have working wipers here! LOL

 

I haven't examined the wiper motor in detail yet but do they have a "park" switch on them that holds the power on after switching them off until they reach their rest position? If so, that switch may be the problem.

 

sounds like a heat problem

 

No switch to keep power to them once it's off. I haven't been able to get under the hood yet due to some sudden unexpected stuff surrounding the truck. I think it may be a wire issue but until I can get it pulled apart it's going to be hard to say.

 

The suspense is killing me !!! LOL

 

Me too I have had to resort to Rain-X for the last year.....Of course with the move to Florida, I may not need them again. :P

 

Especially after the next huricane washes the state into the ocean! LOL!

 

Looks like I'll be able to get to it by late this week or by this weekend. Once I get it apart and look at it, I'll be able to see what's causing the problem. I'm hoping it's not the motor itself but an overheated wire. But we'll see.

 

Check the motor for a tight or worn bearing.