Wiper not hitting the glass?

[sparky]

We finally got Starry Night back out of the shipyard and into the water and had a great ride on Saturday.

However, the windshield wiper on the "driver's side" isn't touching the glass. All the others are fine and I cannot see any difference/reason, nor a way to regain contact. :?

Appreciate any ideas. Of course it's the wiper we need most!

 

[Bruce Moore]

I had the same problem. At Andrew's suggestion, I now regularly manually flex the armature and move each wiper blade through it's range. That solved the problem.

Even better, David Baker (Karma) treated my windows with Rainex. We took water over the cabin all the way back from the halfway there rendezvous, and never even turned the wipers on. The water just streams down, and off the windows.

 

[captain's cat]

I think there's a spring in there. Lift it manually away from the window and see. You can always bend the arm slightly (and carefully) if it's the kind where you can do that.

Charlie

 

[bbrh842]

The wiper arms are made of aluminum. The spring loaded hinge which holds the arm against the glass corrodes after about a year in salt air environment. When Tug O' War was delivered, NONE of the wipers were making contact with the glass. Wefings sent 4 new wiper arms, also aluminum, which I installed. This solved the problem, for about a year. After one year, same problem again. I replaced the wiper arms with stainless wiper arms from West Marine. Expensive, but end of problem. For a cheap solution, use Rain-X original formula. I have not used the windshield wipers since I discovered Rain-X. Get it at Lowes or any auto parts store.

 

[sparky]

Thanks all. I have used the Rain-x and you are all right, it is wonderful. Yet some of the "conditions" we find ourselves in still require wipers...... :roll:

I have tried playing with the arm but didn't want to break anything if there was a proper fix. I guess I could always swap out a port side arm if I do break this one....

 

[doke01]

I have the same issue. I now make sure to put pressure against the arm, while moving it slightly, to make sure that the wiper is touching the glass. There is also an angle adjustment on the wiper that will allow you to change the angle so there is less chance the wiper will contact the window frame. Once it contacts the glass the contact is maintained until you move the blades out again for cleaning.

Doug K.

 

[Stella Maris]

Sparky,
While not criticizing, I would go back and reapply your Rain-X. I cannot imagine you would have conditions any worse than what we have had. Five to six foot wind waves, water coming over the bow every five to six seconds. Yet, we have not used the wipers nor have we needed to use the wipers. If we did turn them on, they would not clear the windshield any better. Also, use the Rain-X on all of your windows (if you have not already done so) as it makes cleaning them easier.

I think Bruce on Moondance can attest, if applied in the right amount, you will not need your wipers. I apply three coats before buffing off.

Good luck, hope this works for you.
David

 

[doke01]

I'm with Sparky on this one. It is always a good idea to make sure you have options.