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73 Nova wipers not working


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barrettgr
Novice

Jun 2, 2007, 6:39 AM

Post #1 of 10 (4915 views)
73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

I have a 73 Chevy Nova that the windshield wipers only work when I press the washer (switch in). New wiper motor and washer pump. Tried a working switch. I can hear the motor "click" when I select speed 1 or 2 but it doesn't move.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 2, 2007, 7:44 AM

Post #2 of 10 (4913 views)
Re: 73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

Check that funny copper ground strap that it is ground. The washer motor is timed in position so if it broke inside they do funky things,

T



barrettgr
Novice

Jun 10, 2007, 12:23 PM

Post #3 of 10 (4902 views)
Re: 73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

I didn't notice a ground strap. I assume I just need to ground the motor to the firewall.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 11, 2007, 2:09 AM

Post #4 of 10 (4900 views)
Re: 73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

It's been a few years but that motor should be mounted on three rubber washers/doughnuts and they needed to be grounded. Try just a jumper wire to the body of the motor with ground and if it all works properly that is what it needs.

I recall a band of metal to one of those mounts that did that and they would quit sometimes and just needed cleaning up. If the jump trick works just make up a ground strap or if this is a resoration I'm sure you can find an original as they did similar stuff for many years after that,


T



barrettgr
Novice

Jun 28, 2007, 12:11 PM

Post #5 of 10 (4884 views)
Re: 73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

That didn't help. Looks like it is time for a wiring diagram. Any ideas where I can get some detail on the wipers?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 28, 2007, 12:19 PM

Post #6 of 10 (4883 views)
Re: 73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

Does the washer work when you push on it now? If so and wipers work you might try just replacing that piggy backed thing and all will work. They were a pill sometimes and some it was just easier to get rid of that and put in a separate pump for the washer but if it's inigrated with the wiper motor working at all you may have to stay orig to be easier. I don't think a diagram will help all that much.

Some you could easily bypass and some you couldn't. Universal pumps are cheap and easy and can be installed without trashing the original car's set up -- just route the water hose and wire it in and it uses existing wiring,

T



barrettgr
Novice

Jul 25, 2007, 6:15 AM

Post #7 of 10 (4866 views)
Re: 73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

I have replaced the switch, wiper motor and the washer motor. I did that before I tried the separate ground. The only thing I can think of is a broken wire somewhere in the circuit.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jul 25, 2007, 6:39 AM

Post #8 of 10 (4865 views)
Re: 73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

I don't know where to find a diagram right now. I do know that the motor gets power thru the washer motor and should run for so many wipes and stop. I think it's triggered from the washer switch by adding ground - not the other way around.

I recall just the trickle of ground using a test light made the washer go thru a cycle. The timing issue is a big deal. It just doesn't work right unless washer is timed with the motor. As you know the washer isn't a motor but gets pumped by the wiper motor.

Hope that helps,

T



barrettgr
Novice

Jul 26, 2007, 9:32 AM

Post #9 of 10 (4861 views)
Re: 73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

The timing sounds interesting. Is there a method to make sure it is timed properly. When I got this the washer pump gear was broken.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jul 26, 2007, 10:22 AM

Post #10 of 10 (4860 views)
Re: 73 Nova wipers not working Sign In

The timing was a deal where the motor had to be in its "park" position when the washer pump was mounted to it. I had a 72 and a 74 Nova and I think I had to mess with both of them. I also didn't like the washer pumping a full cycle so I did rig up just universal OTC lectric pumps to squirt just when held on. The regular wiper motor would not work without the old one still in place though.

You are testing my memory as I had those cars when they were fairly new and the last I sold in 1980 which is still a long time ago!

I still deal with old cars but none with that set up right now to take a look.

Keep at it,

T







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