Wipers On 65 Special Landau

[Lowdwn]

I just purchased a completely restored 65 special Landau. Everything is perfect except for the wipers won't come on.. I am not familiar with the design of these wipers- They are controlled by the power steering pump? I've checked fluid levels and Yes the power steering works.. Any suggestions??

[Joe Vandatta]

The wipers are hydraulic---there is a line that comes off the steering gear that goes to the wiper motor. Ck. to see if you are getting pressure to the wiper motor--you should be if the power steering is okay.There is a possibility that the motor is air bound if you have had the system apart--cycle the steering wheel back and forth with the wipers on to bleed any air--move them by hand if necessary. If that don't work, the motor might be faulty.

[Lowdwn]

Thanks for the reply Joe. Another thing that is strange with these wipers: with the engine off, If I pull the wipers themselves up higher on the windshield and start the car, they go down- It doesn't seem to make any difference with the wiper switch on or off... maybe just a switch problem? It seems to me that there must be pressure there in order for the wipers to go down.. Is the switch vacuum controled or electric? I just purchased the vehicle a few days ago and haven't had time to tear things apart, so forgive me for my lack of knowlegde..
Thanks in advance..
Steve

[Joe Vandatta]

Steve,
The wiper motor is controlled by a bowden cable that runs from the control lever to the wiper motor. If you have pressure (and I think you have since they want to go to park) I would suspect the control cable has somehow got diconnected from the motor. The cable is adjustable to get full on and full off.
Getting at this cable adjustment is quite a chor. When you move the control lever do you get any drag or is free wheeling--this would be a sign that it is not connected.
These motors are pretty much bullet proof, mine on my 66 has been trouble free.
Good luck.

[Joe Vandatta]

PS,
In checking my manual, I found you can access the wiper motor and control cable to see if it has slipped or came unglued by removing the cowl panel. You do this by removing the wipers and arms then take out 14 screws that attach the panel.
Bet this is the problem. There is only one screw holding it to the motor and speed control arm.

[Lowdwn]

Thanks Joe, I'll take the cowl off and have a look tonight..

Steve

[Joe Vandatta]

Steve,
Since you have a nice Bird and if you plan to keep it I would srongly recommend that you get a Ford Motor reproduction Shop Manual.
I got one when I purchased my 66 (new)and it has saved me big bucks.A good place to get one is The Bird Nest in Portland, Or.
You can call them toll free 800-232-6378 or go to www.tbirdparts.com

[Joe Vandatta]

Steve,
Have you checked out the cable yet?
Joe

[Lowdwn]

I'm in the process of ripping apart a motor-- Replacing head gasket on my eagle talon.. When I finish that, I'll check the cable-- I'll let you know-- thanks for the help-

Steve

[Lowdwn]

Joe-- Fixed the wipers- You wouldn't believe how simple this was-- The old owner must have had the wipers off and never aligned them properly when reinstalling them. The wipers weren't able to "cycle" properly. They were binding against the lower part of the windshield... They work excellent!! Thanks for the help..
Steve

[Joe Vandatta]

Steve,
How lucky can you get, glad you cured it without tearing things apart. Iv'e never run in to that one before.
Joe