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Windshield Wiper Motor Changes

toomany

toomany

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The wiper motor in my truck finally died. Looking around for a replacement, I'm finding there were 3 styles used. 73-77, 78-84 and 85-91. Now my truck is a 76 according to the title/vin, but from other things I have found, I'm guessing the tub is some other year.

Does anyone have pictures of the different wiper motors? Not really finding any good pictures online from the parts stores. Just the same generic pictures (all of a Cardone motor). I'm probably going to have to order one as no-one local has one in stock. I have one from my 85 GMC and that one doesn't look the same, so can probably rule out 85+. What were the differences between 73-77 and 78-84. Is it just a plug change? The wiper transmission is the same from 73-80 and I'm guessing the mounting is too. Does delay have anything to do with it? Mine is just hi/low.

Some info about my tub if it helps narrow the year down for future reference. It's definitely a 76-80 as it's not a full vert. The floor behind the front seats is flat like my 87 was. So I think that means 78-80. The fuel filler has a door so that means 79-80 I believe. Which fits in with the headlight trim that is on the truck. It has a fuse block with blade style fuses. The factory pigtail for the wiper motor is missing so I've got it wired through a toggle.

I think I'm looking for a 78-84 motor then, can anyone back this up? I'll try to get a picture of mine to help.
 
Here are a few quick, dark pictures of what is currently on there. Can see the wires for on/off. My washer pump is mounted in the tank.









 
Another question about the wiper motors. I have a 78 K20, but the cab has been changed out by the previous owner. So no idea what year the cab is that is on it now. It had the two speed wiper switch. I wanted to up grade it to the delay one for the old style trucks (round knob on the two way switch, turning the round nob does the delay). I boughtan original delay switch and module and hooked everything up. BUT the delay does not work at all, it is still only a two way switch AND the park position for the wipers doesn´t work either. They stop whereever you shut them off.
Do I need a later wiper motor for this function? Any pics of one that has that function? (NOT the 81 and up).
Any suggestion why this is not working at all???

Thanks!
 
I got the motor replaced last night. Ended up finding one down in Saginaw. Have to say I'm not all that impressed with it. Only two of the three holes lined up. When I powered it up the first time I got a quick puff of smoke. I don't think I let it all out though, because it still works. A side effect of the mounting holes not lining up is my wipers now park about a 1/3 of the way up and the drivers side travels off the edge of the windshield. Will have to make a few adjustments.

I'm tempted to take my stock one apart and try cleaning it up. It still sort of worked when it wanted to. If that doesn't work I might hit up a yard around here for an old factory one. I can't see this one lasting too long.






K20Chevrolet said:
Another question about the wiper motors. I have a 78 K20, but the cab has been changed out by the previous owner. So no idea what year the cab is that is on it now. It had the two speed wiper switch. I wanted to up grade it to the delay one for the old style trucks (round knob on the two way switch, turning the round nob does the delay). I boughtan original delay switch and module and hooked everything up. BUT the delay does not work at all, it is still only a two way switch AND the park position for the wipers doesn´t work either. They stop whereever you shut them off.
Do I need a later wiper motor for this function? Any pics of one that has that function? (NOT the 81 and up).
Any suggestion why this is not working at all???

Thanks!
Click to expand...


I'm curious about this as well. I'd like to actually fix my wiring at one point and add delay to the wipers.
 
any news or updates? My truck was apart for too long that I haven´t messed with the wipers at all, but would still like to solve my issue with the wiper delay. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
 
Wiper delay is all handled through the module/switch. No difference in the motor.

IIRC though, park is all handled through the motor, so if that doesn't work, it's a motor issue.
 
K20Chevrolet said:
any news or updates? My truck was apart for too long that I haven´t messed with the wipers at all, but would still like to solve my issue with the wiper delay. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
Click to expand...

dyeager535 said:
Wiper delay is all handled through the module/switch. No difference in the motor.

IIRC though, park is all handled through the motor, so if that doesn't work, it's a motor issue.
Click to expand...


I never got anywhere with adding delay to my wipers.

I still think there is something wrong with my wiring or possibly the switch. As of now, I have them wired to a switch. Either on or off set at the "high" speed. For what I do with the truck, it works just fine.
 
Have the issue with my wiper motor stopping wherever when the switch is shut off. Obviously have the wrong one for my switch as well, but it will die soon!
 
K20Chevrolet said:
Another question about the wiper motors. I have a 78 K20, but the cab has been changed out by the previous owner. So no idea what year the cab is that is on it now. It had the two speed wiper switch. I wanted to up grade it to the delay one for the old style trucks (round knob on the two way switch, turning the round nob does the delay). I boughtan original delay switch and module and hooked everything up. BUT the delay does not work at all, it is still only a two way switch AND the park position for the wipers doesn´t work either. They stop whereever you shut them off.
Do I need a later wiper motor for this function? Any pics of one that has that function? (NOT the 81 and up).
Any suggestion why this is not working at all???

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Your park switch needs fixed. That is what is causing it to stop where ever you turn them off. On my truck I just had to pop the cover off the motor and re-seat it, it should be pretty obvious once you pull the cover off. If you need pictures let me know.

In fact Blue85 has a pretty good post on it here:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showpos...11&postcount=7

I copied the text above from a post I made in this thread, it has some pics to help:
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322095
 
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