C3 Wiper Question

[Kenneth T.]

My wipers don't work. The black ground wire that plugs on the spade, picture shown below, is hot, 12volts even with the key off. If I remove the wire from the terminal and use a jumper from the spade to a ground the wipers work fine.

Why do I have power on what should be a ground terminal?

Ken

[Roger O.]

Re: C3 Wiper Question

Down at the starter is where that black ground lead goes. It is supposed to go under 1 of the starter mounting bolts to ground,someone has put this 14 gauge black ground on the positive post of the starter solenoid. Very common mistake. Disconnect your neg battery lead before fixing it.

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Wiper Question

Hi Roger,
When I lifted the body on my 71 I missed that wire at the starter bolt you mention. It makes the nicest little 'ping' sound as the wire breaks free of the terminal!
Regards,
Alan

[Kenneth T.]

Re: C3 Wiper Question

Roger,

Thanks so much, that was the problem. If you can believe it I have not used the wipers in almost 3 years, which is when I did the restoration.

The wipers work great now. As with all these old cars, one solution brings another challenge. When the blades came up the rubber boot on the park switch let go and the spring popped out the plunger, so now I have to find a new or nos switch.

Again, thanks. You saved me many hours of grief.

Ken

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 Wiper Question

Hi Ken,
There's a large 'button' on the safety valve that the wiper arm presses on that probably seperated from the valve's shaft. That's what holds the valve's spring and seal in place.
The button on the originals was black like the rest of the valve; I believe the repros have a white button. People report how difficult it is to find a repro example that doesn't leak.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Roger O.]

Re: C3 Wiper Question

Ken your very welcome , glad I could assist.
Just guessing but I would think your battery was also losing it's charge ?
Best of Luck on finding a good safety valve , I would be tempted if your handy to try and repair your old one. Alan might have some tips on rebuilding.
Roger