Process of elimination: Starboard wiper motor inoperative

Q

QT1

Active Member
Oct 20, 2016
647
Belair, MD
Boat Info
1990 350 Sundancer, "Quality Time II".
Engines
454 Mercruisers, performance parts modified by PO.
So, I'm thinking, take the back cover off that wiper motor, run a jumper wire, pos and neg and see if motor works. Next, I noticed breaker switch at helm is not returning to it's natural position. Need a source for replacement breaker switch.
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I'd start by cutting it on and putting a volt meter to the motor. See if your getting power to it. Then the switch. It may lead you to the breaker.
 
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My wiper motor was not working at the end of last season almost seem like it had seized up it would trip the breaker when I would turn it on I took the plate off of the motor remove the gears turned it on and sure enough the main gear was spinning after wiping everything down and re-lubricating and putting everything back together it has A new lease on life ,Thinking back my starboard wiper motor had always been slower than my port not sure if things were just gumming up .Will keep an eye on it in the future since my wiper motors are inside the ceiling of the cabin I’m guessing corrosion and weathering had not been a factor in this
 
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I have been contemplating purchasing another motor, but I will go through the motions befor making that decision. If it was the starboard motor right in front of me at the helm, I would replace it immediately
dwna1a said:
I'd start by cutting it on and putting a volt meter to the motor. See if your getting power to it. Then the switch. It may lead you to the breaker.
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Another great idea, thanks. The switch is not returning to it's normal position, but I will see if it is working at all.
 
joeyleggz said:
My wiper motor was not working at the end of last season almost seem like it had seized up it would trip the breaker when I would turn it on I took the plate off of the motor remove the gears turned it on and sure enough the main gear was spinning after wiping everything down and re-lubricating and putting everything back together it has A new lease on life ,Thinking back my starboard wiper motor had always been slower than my port not sure if things were just gumming up .Will keep an eye on it in the future since my wiper motors are inside the ceiling of the cabin I’m guessing corrosion and weathering had not been a factor in this
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I have a question for you: is your motor single speed or 2 speed?
 
My port wiper motor wasn't working, turned out to be a corroded ground. Start by checking for proper clean connections, power at the motor and the switch. Chances are, you'll find the motor is ok.
 
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SCORPIO said:
My port wiper motor wasn't working, turned out to be a corroded ground. Start by checking for proper clean connections, power at the motor and the switch. Chances are, you'll find the motor is ok.
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I'm hoping so. Thanks
 
The reason I'm asking about the motor speed is there is someone selling a new 2 speed motor on ebay and I was wondering if it would work with a single motor system
 
Most two speed DC motors use a resistor to lower the 12 Volts from the battery to a lower value to give slow speed and full battery voltage to give high speed. If you just want one speed, wire your switch to the high speed lug on the motor and it should run at high speed. Why not just buy a new one speed motor?
 
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SCORPIO said:
Most two speed DC motors use a resistor to lower the 12 Volts from the battery to a lower value to give slow speed and full battery voltage to give high speed. If you just want one speed, wire your switch to the high speed lug on the motor and it should run at high speed. Why not just buy a new one speed motor?
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.
One reason: Since the purchase of this boat in November I have found a few "untruths" from the previous owner, and things that could have been an easy fix, where not. The motor may be operative. During the survey, it was noted the horn was inop. There was a wire broken in between the horns. That I call lazy. VHF radio was inop. Seller acted surprised. After the sale and cleaning out closets and drawers, found a vhf coaxial cable, 12 volt socket/cord AND handheld vhf box in a cabinet!
 
Run two jumper wires from +12volt and ground to the appropriate terminals on the motor and see if it works. If so, find the broken circuit, bad switch etc. If it doesnt work, then you'll need a new motor.
 
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