delandjohn

I rebuilt the wiper door actuator on my '72 because of a vacuum leak. Door opens and closes now but does not close completely. About half inch short of full closure. Am I correct in assuming that this can be fixed by adjusting the threaded bolt that comes out of actuator. If I unscrew will this make the door close further? Thanks. You all are so helpful.

caskiguy

delandjohn

Thanks for your response. Watched video and it seems more oriented toward aligning the panel with other panels. My problem is the panel does not close all the way. When closed it is well aligned.

LT-1 kid

it could be that the wipers are not parked all the way down

Rescue Rogers

Yes adjusting that long nut is like a turnbuckle. Making it shorter makes it close more. If you remove the hoses and the rubber plug on the end of the can you manually manipulate it to get full stroke on the actuator. This will tell you if your adjustment is working. You can use a wooden dowel to push it open and use your hand to assist it closed.

Not much info here but it has some general troubleshooting
https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/knowledgebase/article/1968-corvette-service-bulletin-windshield-wiper-system-operation-and-diagnosis-697.html

delandjohn

Thanks. Your post is really helpful.

Bills17n72

i havent turned my wipers on my 72 in about five years , kinda scared to turn them on!

delandjohn

I got caught out in a surprise Florida downpour. Discovered they did not work due to a vacuum leak.

MikeP

delandjohn
I just went through a wiper door vacuum issue on my 69 coup . If you wan to get your wiper door fully closed and have a hand vacuum pump. Remove the vacuum line on the front side of the wiper door canister (passenger side) attach your vacuum pump hose to the nipple on canister and build pressure, wiper door will close completely when max vacuum is achieved.

But once you start engine and it builds vacuum the wiper door will open if your wiper door vacuum relay has a leak, of your door stays closed then wiper vacuum relay is good.
v/r
Mike

delandjohn

Great idea. Thanks.

wadenelson

A few things.

1)Put a mighty might hand vacuum pump on it and see if you NEED to adjust the throw on the wiper door actuator.
If it closes fully with the pump, check/renew your vacuum lines. Not getting enough suck.

2) White lithium lube all the pivots / hinges on the wiper door, after first cleaning 'em with aerosol brake cleaner. It's GOT to move freely.
50 years old, all those pivots are worn out, sloppy, and it's a major task to rebuild them, including machine shop work. Instead see #3

Disconnect the actuator while exercising / lubing the wiper door.

(careful about getting brake cleaner on yer paint! spray with a rag behind the "target" Ditto the white lith.

Step #3. This is most valuable advice. Don't drive in the rain, just leave that freakin' wiper system ALONE!

Mine's got a yellow PostIt note sez DON'T TOUCH on the wiper switch. /s

delandjohn

I like your approach.

Rescue Rogers

Thats why most states have a safety inspection so that if you are caught in the rain, you will be a safe and responsible driver and be able to see and drive safely....I never plan to drive the corvette in the rain but I have been caught in un-predicted down pours. I would like it if we Bud Lighted the weathermen for being so bad. It doesnt matter if you have a note or not, if the wiper door doesnt open, the wipers arent going to work, theres a safety switch on the cowl and on newer years under the door

wadenelson

It were a joke, RR.

Rescue Rogers

Lol....ya sarcasm is hard to read....

Rescue Rogers

This needs to be ALOT bigger.....lol