55 Hash Wipers

[Deleted User]

Paul or anyone who knows. How do I get to the windshield wiper motor on the 55 Hornet? My vacuum hose is in pretty bad shape and I would like to replace it and check the overall condition of the motor when I do. The problem is I don't know how to get to it. From the top? I just can't figure it out and will appreciate any help with this.



Harry

[Deleted User]

From underneath. The windshield section of the body manual covers it well. Under the cowl in the engine bay is a cover sticking down. Unscrew the screws, disconnect the hoses and linkages and undo the motor from the firewall. Small rubbery hands to get it out and long arms to reach over the fenders help. We rebuilt the motor and fuel pump (my brother's a mechanic which helps!) and replaced the hose and it works well exc ept in the worst of rainstorms. Some RainX is good insurance but I haven't used that yet.

ESSX28-1

Use the RainX before it rains & you need it. My Essex has only a drivers side wiper & my wife just loves the RainX results.

[Deleted User]

Thanks guys, I finally found the screws, also found out how to get the cowl off. You have to be a long armed contortionist to work on a Hash. It looks like I am going to have to drop the motor to replace the hose but that will give me a chance to clean it all up and lube it.



Harry

[Deleted User]

I finally figured out how to get the cowl off from over the wipers, man, there was a ton of mud in there. The drains were completely covered. All the original paint still looks good, It was good enough that I couldn't see the four screws holding the cover over the wiper motor. I'm hoping all the gaskets in the motor aren't shot but if they are does anyone make wiper motor gasket kits?



Harry

[Deleted User]

Search this forum or google "Ficken". They rebuild them. I doubt you can buy a gasket kit. Ours was a home made repair. The mud you found might be scary. We had to weld a patch panel in there where the rust had got in.

[Deleted User]

Andrew; got the motor off and almost working, in one direction at least. Took it apart and found the round gasket that acts as a stop valve is deformed, the grease on the flapper is dried out and everything is dragging. I don't know if I can replace the gasket or not, it doesn't look like it can be replaced easily . Maybe I can buy a new flapper assembly, the rest of the valve appears to be in good shape. That gasket material is pretty strange stuff I remember it from the past, it looks like a membrane with crossed fibers in it, don't remember what it is called.



Harry