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Windshield Motor keeps Burning UP

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    Windshield Motor keeps Burning UP

    Hey R3V, first a quick intro to the problem. I purchased a 86 325e last April and have been slowly been getting it back to road worthy. One of the known issues, when I purchased the car was the windshield wiper motor had gone out on it. The PO included a used motor with a boatload of other useless used items.

    When I did the first tune up on the car, I swapped the bad motor for the used motor. before installing I tested it to make sure that it would function correctly. It unfortunately smoked as soon as I flipped the switch, so I chalked that one up to a bad used motor.

    Fast forward to about a month ago, I ordered up a used motor from Austin (Awesome guy! super responsive and shipped it out quickly). Installed the motor about a week later, tested it before installing. All 3 speeds work as they should, motor stays cool, no smoke. Install in car and test again with the wipers pointed up to make sure I get them placed in the correct spots. It works again flawlessly all 3 speeds. place the wipers on the window, hit the window with water from my house to simulate rain, speed one works but its struggling, speed two slower than speed one and grinding, I did not try speed three. I was frustrated at this point so I called it a day.

    A week later, I am ready to start pulling this apart for the 3rd time. I try testing the on e speed one, nothing... no noise, no movement, just dead. I check the fuse and its blown. I replace the fuse, test on speed one and it works great, speed two perfect, speed 3 again perfect. Awesome, easy fix just a bad/blown fuse.

    Over the next few weeks, I only drove the car on non-rainy days while still getting it to a DD status. Yesterday while running around my power steering pulley sheers on my E46. This mean the E30 is pulling DD duties while I wait for a new pump. I get in the E30 this morning and its raining, no worries, I have wipers that work in this bad boy! As soon as I get on the freeway they stop working and I can see anything. I get it back to my house as safely as I can. Pop the hood to smell that the motor has smoked once again... Fuse is not blown.

    So after this really long story to tell you all I have smoked 2 windshield wiper motors and dont know why, I need some help. Any ideas on what to check or to look for would be greatly appreciated. I am new to E30's, and as they are similar to the E46 I have no idea where to start on this one.

    #2
    Likeliest scenario is an excessive load on the wiper mechanism. If the rubber joints are good (and even if they aren't) check your wiper dampers. I'll wager they have disintegrated and although I'd be surprised if they alone would fry motors, Ive owned enough e30s to know there are no surprises :-)
    Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

    https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
    Alice the Time Capsule
    http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
    87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220

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      #3
      They are most definitely dust in the wind. I'll order up some new ones and replace. I feel like there has to be more to it than just wiper dampeners though. The first motor replaced smoked in my hand when powered up.

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        #4
        dont rule out the spindles binding given your location. When I change dampers I try to get a couple of drops of machine oil in there just because. Given the extent of your motor issues Id consider pulling the entire mechanism for a close up. Theres really not much else it could be
        Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

        https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
        Alice the Time Capsule
        http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
        87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220

        Comment


          #5
          For anyone that may run into the same issue, I was having. Check your wiper relay, I replaced this and my wipers work without issue now.

          I am still going to replace my wiper dampers and re-lube everything since it needs to be done as well.

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