Topic: wipers not fully functional
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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On my '80 the wipers work in the normal run position and wash. However, in intermittent they will work only with the timing set to fastest speed, i.e. turned all the way clockwise. And in max speed they either won't work of execute one cycle before stopping. The switch, motor, mechanism, etc. are all original. Any idea what the fault could be?
And as long as I'm here, any guidance on how to get the old blades off would be appreciated. I only ever used the inserts since I bought the car back in '80. But I'm looking to replace the whole blade at this point.
As it once looked and hopefully will again
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Solved item two - getting old blades off.
Still would be interested in thoughts on the wiper switch.
As it once looked and hopefully will again
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Sounds like the wiper problem could be with the delay module. Others here are more in tune with the later cars with all the "fancy" options than I am, but I know there have been MANY issues with the wipers that were resolved by either replacing, or modifying the delay module. I do not have an '80 model service manual here, but I'll look and see if I can find something to help, if someone else doesn't chime in.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Adam, thanks for the reply. I'll appreciate anything you might suggest. I dug a little deeper myself and in addition to the the relay I think the most likely other possibility is the switch itself. Apparently grease in the switch can degrade over time becoming hard and creating an insulating coating on the contacts. No rush on this. The car leaks in the rain, so I don't plan to drive it when it's wet.
On the topic of driving it, as of yesterday there is an fresh inspection sticker on the car, the first one since 2003. Since the wipers functioned at the primary level, standard wipe, they passed. The only ding was for an exhaust leak between the manifold and down pipe. A little heat on the nuts to break them loose and a little tightening fixed that.
Pretty amazing that a 37 year old care with all the original suspension (other than shocks), steering linkages, exhaust (except for mufflers), etc. could do so well. As the mechanic said, "this car's as old as me".
Now the next issue is all kinds of rattling in the back when driving. I'll put a different post for that.
As it once looked and hopefully will again
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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