[BC]

This has actually happened now on both my '71 Chevelle and '70 Nova so I'm sure many of you have been through it...

The windshield washer on my Nova doesn't work anymore and never has on my Chevelle, so I want to fix both of them. I would also like to go to an electric pump vs the cam driven stock one for ease and better performance. The washer/wiper assemblies look similiar, but I think because the Chevelle has the 'hide-away' wipers, the motor is different and the pump assembly is a little different, but they both have three plugs that attach to them. There is a single wire plug that I believe is black and possibly a ground? Then there is a plug that attaches close to the motor and another two-wire that attaches to the washer assembly. Am I correct that the one that attaches to the washer is actually the one that you would use to connect to an electric pump? Any one know what wires are for low and high speed and for the pump? How about on the switch side? I'm hoping the problem is with the pump and going electric will fix it, but if not I need to know what each wire at the switch is for so I can test them.

Thanks in advance,
Bill C.


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Bill C.
'71 SS (now with 468BBC)
'70 Nova 350/700r4
ACES #2780
Colo Spgs, CO

 

[John_Muha]

You guys who try and troubleshoot without a schematic impress me. I can't do it. Go get a Haynes book before you start. It doesn't label each wire but it's a help.
The 71 motor/pump has a total of 5 wires on it. I don't remember exactly which one activates the pump cycling cam inside the assembly. Think your best bet is to measure with a meter while someone presses the switch.
BTW
Rebuild kits for the washer assembly are available. The problem may just be a dry o-ring.

 

[BC]

John,
I have checked out the wiring diagram in the assembly manual and it basically shows three wires going to the switch. All of them are 18 gauge and are DBL, LBL, and B. Then on the motor/pump side, there are two 2-wire plugs and a single black wire plug. What I would like to know is which wire at the switch and pump control the pump? The wiring diagrams do not tell you which wires control what...

Thanks again,
Bill C.


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Bill C.
'71 SS (now with 468BBC)
'70 Nova 350/700r4
ACES #2780
Colo Spgs, CO

 

[cjlandry]

On the motor side there will be one wire that is always hot (when the key is on). This facilitates the "park" function when the switch is turned "off". The other two wires will complete the circuit to ground through the switch for low and high speed.

I don't know for sure, but my guess is that the single wire is the hot feed for the motor. Two wires on one of the plugs will be the "low" and "high" speed grounds through the switch. The two wires on the other plug will be the hot and ground for the pump. The ground on this plug will always be grounded and will be easy to determine using an ohmmeter and checking for continuity to ground (make sure the key is off and no one is pushing the washer button). Once you find this one, check for voltage to the other terminal of that plug with the key on and a friend pushing the wash button intermittently.

Hope this helps. If you don't have a meter, they sell cheap ones at Wal Mart and most parts stores for between $5 and $10. They work fine. Just take 5 minutes to read the manual if you're not familiar with the functions.



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My Elky Page Updated 7-21-00
"Think for yourself. Don't let popular opinion make your decisions for you."
Chad Landry
TC Member #643
'68 El Camino