Pantographic Wiper Installation Project

[slimjim]

Chris and Jims thanks! Chris, I just did all 3 of mine and it was a true PIA. I did in fact have to saw the shafts off. I changed the motors as well.

To get the right angle you will have to take the back plate off the motor and angle the plates in the back to the right number that's on your old one. It will show you how to do it. I have to set mine at 100 from 80.

Also its best to have someone help when doing the wiper angle install so one of you is outside with the wiper and the other is inside. Have fun and take your time. You will need a 6 pack after you are done.

[Tree]

You will need a 6 pack after you are done.

I'm thinking more of a Keg if I am honest!

[Chris & Dale]

Tree....I was so hoping that you and any others reading this post would have picked up on my comment under removing the old wiper blades..."In fact, unless they just pop right off, get out your dremmel and get on to the install." Guess I should have Bold, Underline, All CAPS it so it would have stood out. Hate that anyone would have gone thru what I did to come to the same end...cut it! The rest should be a lot easier! Good Luck

[Tree]

Chris, the problem is I am a precision engineer and I take the approach to doing things the correct way which isn't always the easiest. I engineered special pullers for the job etc thinking that would do the job. Wrong!

I'm hitting it with a dremel some point today! I may as well get a good technique now as I've got another three to do for my buddy!

[Tree]

All done. I'll set the stop location another day.

[carolmarie]

Tree:
My "helper" arm has an adjustment to vary its length. After a very slight adjustment the wiper parks perfectly next to the frame. I couldn't tell from your photo whether or not your arms have a length adjustment provision.

[Tree]

They're probably identical to yours as they are Marinco arms. The setting is inside the motor. The wipers have always parked in the centre. In fact two of the three boats here are the same. I know how to set it but didn't want to be messing about taking the motors off at the moment with the rain showers. This will get us through the winter storms and rain for the time being then I will do a proper adjustment when I can sit up on the foredeck knowing I'm not going to get rained on!

[Chris & Dale]

Tree - yeah, I work at a nuclear power plant writing procedures operators use to run it, so I understand the thinking. Read my post on A Screen Door in this Maintenance thread. Thus the dremel. LOL Whatever it takes. And I vote for a few pints of Guinness Stout!

[Tree]

Interestingly, I've just changed my buddies wipers over on his 2005 28 and was able to complete the job in about an hour and a half. What I did notice is the wiper motors are fitted upside down and he has a better sweep except for the centre window.

Pretty sure the windows on later boats are smaller if anyone can confirm that's why they are fitted the way they are and why the sweep is better?

[carolmarie]

Tree:
I'm somewhat confused by some of you comments. Why would the factory intentionally ship the boat with the blades that "park" in the middle of the windscreen? It does't make any sense to me. Also what do you mean when you say your buddy's motors are mounted upside down? Again, sounds a bit weird.
Don.

[Tree]

Don, mine have the AFI logo upright yet my buddies motors have the logo upside down and the mounting screw to the opposite side. One other thing I noticed is the length of his wiper shaft is almost 1.5" longer which I though would be an issue. His previous boat Jodi T that Porchylad now owns has the wipers set up the same as FP and they also park in the middle. As FP and Jodi T are just 9 boats apart I wonder if they had the Saturday guy fit the wipers!

[Serenity]

I intend to perform the same task over the winter or early spring. However, I found that the standard marine wiper blades were ineffective. I picked up a coupe of Rain X auto wiper blades, which are heavier duty and with a little up an down, left and right, they fit.