Wiper problem on '85 350i coupe with Air Con...
Discussion
My wipers have packed it in on my 350i coupe. The main problem is that the wheel box is not running free - you pretty much need to put a wrench to it for it to move...
My questions:
1. Does anyone know a couple of car models that use the same wheel box and rack? Prefer car makes and models to lucas numbers, particularily interested if you know of something that came to North America!
2. I have been told I have to pull the heater box to get the wheel box out, I will be setting aside some time on the weekend to do the job - but clearly need LOTS of time if this is true, anyone know?, keep in mind I have air con.
3. The spline on the wiper arm is also shot, and the motor was stalled for a couple of hours (burning smell), so I probably should do the lot... so same as question one, anyone know the source of these bits?
Appreciate any leads... I am also checking with Marshall (Classic Motor Works) in parallel as he may be my best bet this side of the sea.
Cheers, Rob.
My questions:
1. Does anyone know a couple of car models that use the same wheel box and rack? Prefer car makes and models to lucas numbers, particularily interested if you know of something that came to North America!
2. I have been told I have to pull the heater box to get the wheel box out, I will be setting aside some time on the weekend to do the job - but clearly need LOTS of time if this is true, anyone know?, keep in mind I have air con.
3. The spline on the wiper arm is also shot, and the motor was stalled for a couple of hours (burning smell), so I probably should do the lot... so same as question one, anyone know the source of these bits?
Appreciate any leads... I am also checking with Marshall (Classic Motor Works) in parallel as he may be my best bet this side of the sea.
Cheers, Rob.
The wiper motor was common to quite a few Brit heaps of the 70s/80s, but the stroke of the cable is unusual due to the wiper sweep. You may have to find a spare motor (IIRC it's 16W) and rebuild using the gearbox off your old one.
Look out for Triumphs or Jaguars as a starting point.
As for access, you'll probably find the whole dash has to come out; whether the aircon can stay in situ depends on how it was fitted I guess... was it tacked-on as an afterthought or was the car built around it?
Look out for Triumphs or Jaguars as a starting point.
As for access, you'll probably find the whole dash has to come out; whether the aircon can stay in situ depends on how it was fitted I guess... was it tacked-on as an afterthought or was the car built around it?
I would try and get the motor rewound if its burnt out mine was, after jamming with power running. There are 3 basic motors 14W 16W and 27W. Ours is the 16W and is shared with TR7s Stags and Scimitars It is seemingly impossible to get an overhauled one with the park switch in the correct position. I got an exchange one from Moss (£88) but retained the Wedge gearwheel as its 170 degrees, TR7 is about 130. The casing will have blanks in the various locations so you may be able to relocate the park switch. You have to partially dismantle the wiper motor before getting it free if you aren’t taking the dash off first. The motor bolts are imperial not metric.
A wedge needs a 40 tooth 2¼ inch wheel box with a tapering spline but I couldn’t find an exact replacement for the wheel box so had to compromise with one from SVC which had a parallel spline, MGB type. The only MGB wiper arm that would fit was too short so I welded an extension on. Not good but no-one had any of the correct wheelboxes presumably because they generally haven’t started failing yet. For an indicative sketch look at s-v-c.co.uk
It was hard work first time to remove the dash and heater. but like all these jobs it’s easy to remove them after you have done it once. The whole dashboard is only held in place with two small captive bolts fitting into slots about 4 inches in from the windscreen pillars on each side. For ease of removal next time replace the nuts with winged nuts about M6 size that can be reached easily and tightened with fingers and won’t require removal of seats for access.
The dash pulls off and the wheelbox and tubes can be removed without touching the heater. Do have a close look at the pipes whilst there. Mine had a small leak hence the condensation.
A wedge needs a 40 tooth 2¼ inch wheel box with a tapering spline but I couldn’t find an exact replacement for the wheel box so had to compromise with one from SVC which had a parallel spline, MGB type. The only MGB wiper arm that would fit was too short so I welded an extension on. Not good but no-one had any of the correct wheelboxes presumably because they generally haven’t started failing yet. For an indicative sketch look at s-v-c.co.uk
It was hard work first time to remove the dash and heater. but like all these jobs it’s easy to remove them after you have done it once. The whole dashboard is only held in place with two small captive bolts fitting into slots about 4 inches in from the windscreen pillars on each side. For ease of removal next time replace the nuts with winged nuts about M6 size that can be reached easily and tightened with fingers and won’t require removal of seats for access.
The dash pulls off and the wheelbox and tubes can be removed without touching the heater. Do have a close look at the pipes whilst there. Mine had a small leak hence the condensation.
Thanks for the detailed info - I will try pulling the dash back and see how it goes; I know the two bolts you are talking about because on my Tasmin they weren't tight when I got it so my dash board slid away from the window on bumpy roads until I got in at them and tightened them up.
I may have to see if I can take the current wheel box out and rebuild it.
Cheers,
Rob.
I may have to see if I can take the current wheel box out and rebuild it.
Cheers,
Rob.
FYI, the Single wiper Jaguar XJ40 uses a 170 degree sweep, has similar wiper blade and arm dimensions, but the splined hole is bigger, and the spring force is 50% more that holds the wiper to the screen (I'm guessing Jaguar had a better idea of this than TVR). It might be easier to upgrade to this system as the wheelboxes are no longer available, nor are the 170 degree wiper motors.
-Jim
-Jim
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