REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

I need to attempt to rebuild an early Trico vacuum wiper unit (RSX-1?) that has the valve mechanism cover retained by two small screws and the brass name plate. See the photo below. The paddle moves freely, no binding, but there seems to be a huge vacuum leak somewhere preventing the unit from operating properly. All the rebuild kits I have seen give instructions for the later units with the snap-on covers. The valve mechanisms are different. Does anyone know where I can find instructions for the early vacuum unit or at least photos of the early unit? The early valve mechanism is retained by what appears to be a pressed in rivet and must be removed in order to remove the paddle from the housing. I contacted Ficken's and he doesn't want to touch an early unit. It's a shame because the unit itself appears to be in superb condition. I already tried the ATF according to MAFCA instructions and that didn't work. Any help is appreciated.

Re: REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

This may help you.

Re: REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

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Re: REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

I've heard of using marvel mystery oil instead of ATF.

Re: REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

Thanks for diagram. Already have it. The diagram shows the later valve arrangement. I need a diagram showing the early valve mechanism. I may need to end up taking photos with my cell phone. I would love to hear from someone who has actually rebuilt one of the early units so I avoid doing something wrong.

Re: REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

I have 3 of them apart, the pot metal has blisters inside, and the covers are warped to where a new gasket won't seal, and the shaft is worn so it is only tight without gaskets--- got a 4th to take apart, one I had sanded the bumps out of and they came back after a year --- then I started looking for die casting machines, even looked at a job at a company that has some Machines

Re: REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

Call John Holland in Ohio, 330-483-3896. John rebuilds wiper motors even the early ones, if they are rebuildable.

Re: REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

The best source of info on these wiper motors are the original patents. The one you want for the 'original' motor style is patent # 1,840,233. This shows the internal parts and describes the operation of the motor. I am attaching the patent in PDF format. Hope it helps you.

Re: REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

This may be too obvious, but the plug in the top cover on mine was loose and I didn't notice till I put some air to the inlet to insure the passages were clear and the plug flew out never to be seen again. I used a .22 bullet for make a new plug. Was afraid brass might be to hard and crack the pot metal.

Re: REbuild Early Vacuum Wiper
 

I sent my early wiper to John Holland. Very nice man, by the way. He called me very disappointed saying that the inside of my wiper housing had multiple blisters and the side walls were warped. In other words, the unit I paid $150 for was total junk and could not be resurrected. Fortunately, I had a later unit that does work perfectly and I installed that one without a hitch. I rigged up the vacuum lines to draw manifold vacuum when the wiper is not in use. That is necessary to maintain the blade in the PARK position. In order to avoid the wiper slow down when under acceleration I installed a small Hella vacuum pump on the firewall usually used for high performance power brake units. When the wiper is in use I flip the pump switch on and no slow down. A pair of vacuum check valves keep the pump from disturbing manifold vacuum. Manifold vacuum is around 18" mercury whereas the pump makes up to 28". It has worked well thus far.