Front Windscreen Wiper Failure

[SirToppamHat]

I post the following to share knowledge and warn against what a Ford Dealer might interpret as the cause of the problem I had.

 

A couple of days ago my front windscreen wipers failed. Rear were fine and washers all worked OK.

 

Of course, my first point of call (having done some basic checks) was here, and I worked through most suggestions before opening the bonnet.

 

I have a Ford TIS disk and undertook all the diagnostic checks; fuses fine and appropriate voltage to the motor at the various speed settings, leading to the conclusion that the motor itself needed to be replaced. I would suggest that the average Ford Dealer, following the TIS instructions, would have come to the same conclusion, at a cost (to me) of about

[Masked Marauder]

Blocked scuttle drains at either end of the scuttle panel.

[Scorpiorefugee]

This topic saved my sanity.

 

Tuesday morning, after arriving home late on Monday in the pouring rain, front wipers completely dead. Checked all fuses and began to panic but found this and resolved to investigate in the daylight.

 

Thursday morning, wipers suddenly started - a bit hesitant at first but settled down after a few minutes and OK ever since.

 

Today, I took out the bulkhead extension and everything was dry but, looking at the bulge under the wiper motor, I think that water will run back and out on the level but on my 1 in 4 drive a fair old puddle will form under and around the wiper motor. I drilled a couple of 5mm drainage holes before putting it back.

 

And now the questions..

 

Is this a common problem and, if so, why is this the only post I've found on the subject.

 

If this wasn't the cause of my problem, please, does anyone know of another possibility 'cos my wipers could now be a serious liability.

 

And just for interest..

 

It seems that if you park 'em nose down on a hill in the rain, theres a chance you wipers won't work in the morning.

 

It also seems that if you park em nose down an a hill and leavem ticking over for a while, you can run out of fuel even if your gauge shows 1/4 tank on the level.

 

Are there any more little tricks like that?

 

Ron.