Windshield wiper issues

[Dan Robertson]

I have a ’63 GMC 4000 series truck with the 351 V-6. It has a 3 yard steel dump body on it and a 9 foot Fisher quick switch snowplow. With tire chains it does a very good job. I have an issue with the windshield wipers. Apparently they run off a circuit breaker because they quit from time to time, especially when it’s real cold (I live in Northern Maine). After a while, they will reset themselves and start working again but only after the truck has been shut down for about 15 minutes. If any of you folks are familiar with plowing snow, windshield wipers are almost as necessary as a heater. Does anyone know where the breaker is, on the motor or incorporated in the switch?

[James]

I do not have a 63 manual, but in the 62 manual circuit breaker is in the motor. In my 64 manual it look like it is next to the fuse block. Hope this will help.

[Dan Robertson]

I guess that I will be putting up with it, at least until warmer weather. Thanks.

[AZKen]

If "circuit breaker" means thermal overload switch, it means motor is getting hot. From bad brushes or commutator or binding in worn linkage causing stress on motor. Just my guess. When it cools, switch resets and wipers on! Check and oil all pivot points and get new blades.

[Dan Robertson]

Its above freezing this morning so I ran a liberal amount of Kroil penetrating oil around the shafts where the wiper arms hook on. It seems to have help quite a bit. I will tackle the rest of the pivot points later on (looks like I will have to take the glove box out to gain better access). Thanks for the tip, the wipers are running a lot faster than they ever did before.