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I have the original vacuum windshield wipers
Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 9:20 pm
by Deadguy
And they tend to work when they want to, which is less than half the time. If I take the blades off, the studs seem to rotate fine. Anybody have any tips? I want to avoid converting to electric wipers if I can
Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 11:20 pm
by wesk
Vacuum wipers have gotten a bad rap for the last 50 years. Had you climbed into that M38 in 1951 or 52 those wipers would have ran like the dickens. They are old and uncared for now and all of a sudden all the folks say they are a poor setup. If they are maintained properly, they will surprise the heck out of you. Back in the 50's when you accelerated going uphill in the rain and they slowed down it wasn't because they are a bad system. It was because they need to be serviced or the vacuum side of the fuel pump needs to be serviced. Make sure the flappers and valves are in good shape. Make sure they are properly lubricated. Make sure they are plumbed correctly. Make sure the vacuum side of the fuel pump is putting out 10" at 200 and 12" at 1500 RPM.
Can you overhaul the wiper motor yourself. Sure you can but look very close at them and notice that they will be difficult to disassemble. You can find parts but you can also fabricate new flappers from rubber stock. Or you can just mail them to the "Wiperman.com" and he'll do them for you.
Wiper motors
Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:48 am
by Kendall
Or you can do what I and others have done and that is to modify M151 vacuum wiper motors to fit. They look almost identical and work fantastic. I am amazed at the ability to regulate the speed of the wipers by adjusting the on/off valve. On my old ones I always thought it was an all or nothing type of control with the on not very good.
Kendall
Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 6:32 pm
by Deadguy
How are they different than just putting in rebuilt M38A1 wipers?
Wiper Motors
Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 7:55 pm
by ocwd
You can get a set of NOS M151 wiper motors for way cheaper than having your M38A1 motors replaced or rebuilt. Unless, you find a great deal somewhere.
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:07 am
by madmike
I would be interested to know how you lubricate the flappers Wes mentioned. I have no idea yet if mine are good and would rather not find out (it never rains in Ca. according to the song but poured yesterday) the hard way. They are off the body now and I would like to check them over and service them if possible, but if they are difficult to take apart, maybe I should just leave them alone and let wiperman do it.