Wiper upgrade?

What can I do to make my windscreen wipers a bit more effective?

I have heard something about using a MK2 motor?

TT

The main issue with Mk1 wipers is that the spindles that pass though the outer body panel (scuttle) allow water in, and get rusty, and (partially) sieze. Over the years the motor works a lot harder becuase of this, and the resistance of the windings in the motor go up, and it runs very slowly.

If you clean the spindles out, and grease them up (should do this every two years or so, if it's your daily driver), and then get a Mk2 motor, your wipers should be a lot better.

It should fit no problem, but you'll need to work out which wires match which on the (differently-shaped) Mk2 plug connector.

Note that some Mk2's in the scrappy aren't much younger than your Mk1, and may have tired motors too, so try to get one from a late car.

If you see a Mk1 or Mk2 one out of its car, ensure that it has a 172 or 192 part number  - the 2 means a RHD-only part - a LHD wiper motor (171 or 191 part no.) won't fit.

Cheers.

Will have a peek when the weather is warmer …

TT

I forgot to mention:

Up to '87 the Mk2 wipers are LHD anyway (even on UK cars - the wipers sweep the wrong way), so forget them if you're looking to fit the parts to a Mk1…

mmm that`s interesting  type17!  :?

 that may explain why when i tried to fit a mk2 wiper earlier in the year, it cooked itself. I bet it was a lhd version  :roll:

 Will be more cautious on the part number the next time i have a go at changing the motor. I`ve greased up my spare linkage in readiness for a mk2 motor…but it`s too brass monkeys to swap over at the mo!


 But an interesting nugget of knowledge you have shared there.