Re: [Amc-list] windshield squirter location on an American (now vacuum storage for wipers)

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

You hit the nail on the head Matt! When everything in a vacuum wiper system is up to snuff, it works great! Not as noisy as electrics either. But few people replace the motors and pumps due to overall cost. After finding an electric system and taking the time to install it I'm pretty sure the vac system is cheaper. The vac motor should last another 20+ years, especially since rebuilds use a synthetic grease that doesn't dry out and harden like the old stuff does. 

The fuel pump vacuum booster is another story. Those fuel pumps are getting expensive too. Still, replacing both the fuel/booster pump and vac wiper motor together isn't going to be much more than an electric setup, especially considering installation time. 

If you use an electric or non-booster mechanical pump the wipers need a bit of help during periods of low engine vacuum. A storage cannister is the easiest way to do this. You will only have 20-30 seconds of boost from a cannister, but that's usually enough to get you around a vehicle you're passing or up a hill. The wipers may still slow, but shouldn't slow much. If the wiper motor is new (or recently so) there should be little noticeable difference, just as Matt pointed out with the stock system in good working order. 

If the motor is 20+ years old just break down and get a new rebuild! The only time an electric conversion may make economic and safety sense is if the car will be driven in all kinds of weather -- a true daily driver like mine! 

---------------
Date: Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:34:04 -0500
From: Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>

One thing I do want to mention is that with a motor that makes good 
vacuum, a good booster pump, and a good wiper motor, the wiper speed 
difference going up hill (or accelerating from a low speed with the gas 
pedal mashed down) is very, very small. It's hardly noticeable on either 
of my Americans. It's slightly more noticeable on the wagon since it has 
a 199 and an automatic but it's hardly worth doing anything with.

Matt

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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