Wiper Motor on 26 Mackinaw

[Damon]

My port AFI wiper motor started to make an awful loud noise. Can these be easily rebuilt, or should I replace it (mine looks like the attached photo). If replace, what is a good replacement and what degree sweep?

[Quik Fix]

Easiest replacement is with same model. I believe sweep is adjustable. Doesn't pay to mess with it, IMO.

[Fish Witch]

Agree buying a new one is easiest. Capt Starbucks, who used to post on the other forum before he sold his boat, got mad at API when he needed the plastic gear inside that stripped, and they wouldn't sell him one. So, being what I'd describe him as a masochist mechanic (no offense meant!), he made his own. I can be done but you've got to be motivated, or really pissed off.

[tuner]

I installed these about 5 years ago. They are powerful and will run a pantograf arm, which I plan to do.

https://www.hodgesmarine.com/ong33611-ongaro-heavy-duty-waterproof-2speed-wiper-motor.html

[Ship]

I installed them with the pantograph blades and never looked back.

[Quik Fix]

I installed these about 5 years ago. They are powerful and will run a pantograf arm, which I plan to do.

https://www.hodgesmarine.com/ong33611-ongaro-heavy-duty-waterproof-2speed-wiper-motor.html

Definitely an upgrade.

[Damon]

Ship, I want to move forward with the same setup you did with the pantograph arms. Can you point me to the correct blades?

[Damon]

Also, is the 1-1/2” shaft long enough?

[Ship]

Damon I got the short shaft which ever it was and it scuffed on the frame. I put a piece of milk jug between the frame and arm and it solved it. I would go to next longer shaft but I'm not sure the 26 window frame extrusion is the same. The length of the blade frame was the smallest I could get.

[Ship]

I'll look for the invoices to see if I still have them. I gave most of it to my grandson.

[tuner]

I was looking at this one but I am unsure of the dimensions required for our Macks.

http://shop.schmittongaromarine.com/arms/3444-deluxe-wiper-arm-pantograph.html

[Damon]

Damon I got the short shaft which ever it was and it scuffed on the frame. I put a piece of milk jug between the frame and arm and it solved it. I would go to next longer shaft but I'm not sure the 26 window frame extrusion is the same. The length of the blade frame was the smallest I could get.

I read somewhere on FTC that someone who purchased one with a smaller shaft wished they would have gone with a longer one too. I’ll probably go with the 2-1/2” shaft.

[Damon]

I removed the bad wiper motor and verified that the shaft is 2-1/2”.

[Damon]

I called Schmitt Marine to find the the size of blade I can get away with on their Pantograph arms. The glass part of my windshield measures 14" x 15-3/4" from center out, and 24" x 24-2/4" from top to bottom and center out. They said that I can use the 20" blade for this. Does that seem right? Looking at some YouTube videos, I know that there is some arch on the blade sweep, but not as much as on a regular straight blade.

[tuner]

A 20" blade will be great, if it fits. You could test fit the wiper arm and determine the vertical movement.

[Damon]

Probably a better idea to first purchase the motors and arms to test fitment, then purchase the blades afterwards.

[Ship]

You may be able to test with old blades. You just don't want bare metal on the glass obviously.

[tuner]

Thanks for doing the leg work on this one, Damon!