96 Islander wiper motor switch/breaker?

[soko44mag]

My wiper motor has stopped working on my Islander , when the switch is fliiped the motor does not start and the breaker pops out? Im not sure if this is a switch relay or a breaker. It seems that all my switchs are grouped together behind the dash and are a real pain to get to. What to do? Thanks for any and all replys.

 

[Kainon]

Re: 96 Islander wiper motor switch/breaker?

I would disconnect a wire from the motor 1 by 1, trying it again after each disconnect, if it still does it, you either have a bad breaker or wiring or switch, If not.. then the motor's shorted.

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: 96 Islander wiper motor switch/breaker?

Disconnect the wiper motor and test for power with your multimeter.
You should get 12 volts on the wires at the wiper motor.
If you do not and the breaker trips then the problem is a short in the wires between the switch and the wiper motor.
If you do get power on the wires and no breaker trip than your wiper motor is toast.
If the wiper motor is as old as your boat, then you got very good use out of it.
I don?t think they use a relay for wiper motors. At least not on mine.
GLG

 

[soko44mag]

Re: 96 Islander wiper motor switch/breaker?

I dont have a multimeter, could I just disconnect the two wires and touch them together? If the wiper doesnt work then it has to be the motor, correct?

 

[barato]

Re: 96 Islander wiper motor switch/breaker?

no, that's a bad idea. multimeters are often on sale at Harbor Fright for <$5, and you'll need one if you're dealing with any old boat. if you have a spare taillight bulb, you could use that to test whether you have power to the motor.

don't think they use a "stop relay" like cars do to make the wipers stop at bottom of travel...mine just stops wherever the blade is when i kill switch.

my guess would be that your motor has old grease in it that's congealed to something like glue. if it is motor, try pulling it apart and cleaning with WD40, then re-greasing before you go looking for new motor. local starter/motor shop could probably rebuild it too if needed.

 

[GLG fishing]

Re: 96 Islander wiper motor switch/breaker?

No multimeter no problem.
Disconnect the wires and make sure they do not contact any metal or themselves.
Make sure that your breaker is reset.
Turn switch on and off a few times.
If the breaker trips it?s the wire from switch to motor.
If the breaker does not trip it?s the wiper motor.

Sorry I?m 99% sure it?s the wiper motor
Next time you are at the parts store pickup a 12 volt test light.
They are cheap and work really well.
GLG

 

[soko44mag]

Re: 96 Islander wiper motor switch/breaker?

Thanks guys, Talk about being pennywise and well....you know. I was ready to drop a bill or better on a new motor:redface: I will go and purchase a multimeter ASAP, Im sure it will pay for itself soon. Thanks again.