1970 Roadster - Wipers Not Parking

[GAmor]

The wipers on my Datsun work fine however when turned off they do not park as they should. This has been an intermittent problem but more recently they have been broken. Not the end of the world however with Melbourne (Aust) being in lockdown I figured I have the time to sort this issue.
I have previously checked the wiper switch and wiring with the conclusion the wiper motor/cam was the issue.
So my vehicle is 1970 RHD - this is my repair story.
* First step was to disconnect the negative battery connection.
* Next I removed the 6 Phillips head bolts securing the dash to the body. No need to remove the windscreen (I used a small ratchet - see photo). In hindsight this may have not been necessary. The dash was not removed however been able to flex it did assist in removing the wiper motor.
* Next step was to remove the glovebox (the fuse box can be wrapped and moved out of the way). Also removed lots of Phillips head screws securing the dash to the body near the glovebox hole. The lower dash panels on the passenger and drivers side were removed to assist in gaining access to the wiper motor.
* Next the centre console (between the seats) was removed along with removing the gearstick knob. Many more Phillips head screws were removed from the sides of the radio console. The console was moved across to the drivers side footwell, choke cable was disconnected at the carbs to allow this.
With this done I could gain access the the wiper motor. The 6 pin connector was separated. Now by lying in some weird positions and using a variety of 11mm ring spanners/spanners and socket sets I was able to remove the 4 screws that secure the motor assembly to the firewall. The next challenge was removing a circlip that secures the wiper arms to the motor shaft. To do this I had to (reconnect battery and the 6 pin connector) and operate the wipers until the arm moved into a position where I could see the offending arm and circlip. This is where I found it necessary to flex the dash to force the circlip off thus allowing the motor to be removed via the glovebox hole.
* Next I placed the assemble on my workbench. The cam assembly it enclosed with in a circular cover - I had noticed that a yellow wire going into the cover was loose - I was on the right track! The circular cover can be rotated to determine the wiper park position. Before I loosened screws to remove this I used a marking pen so ensure I could reassemble at the same position. For me once I removed the cover I could clearly see that the yellow wire was no longer connected to the 'park contact'. I used a soldering iron to re-connect the wire. Reassembled cover and back at the car I reconnected the 6 pin connector - magically it's now all good.
* Reassembly was the reverse of removal. To gain better access I did remove the rubber 'horn' that connects the driver and passenger window demister ducts to the heater.
A lot of effort in return of wipers that park correctly - given Melbourne's lockdown I say it was worth it. One less job to do!

[Gregs672000]

I appreciate it when folks post their repairs on items we don't normally see! Adds to the depth of knowledge that we all can share.

[Curtis]

If it dies again you can replace it with a Honda motor

[GAmor]

Thanks for the tip on using a Honda motor. What I love about these older cars is that they are 'fixable' - unlike modern cars.

[23yrRebuild]

If it dies again you can replace it with a Honda motor

That's good to know Curtis...can you share with us, which model & year Honda wiper motor will work, and will it work for the early '67 as well. My wipers seem to only work on "one speed", and a slow one at that....I don't anticipate ever driving mine in the rain, especially raining enough to require using my wipers,....duh...I don't even have my soft top mounted...I just like the idea of having everything on my car actually work.
thanks, Mike

[RBMann]

It is a lot of work but you got it fixed. I had the same problem but it was the blue wire. Touched up both solder points.

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