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Howdy folks! Ed here from Bullnose Garage.

Today, I tackled a project that’s been on my to-do list: replacing the wiper motor, washer pump, and upgrading the wiper washer switch on my 1985 Ford F-150. All three components had seen better days—they were basically garbage. The wiper motor was inconsistent, the washer pump barely worked, and the old high-low wiper switch just wasn’t cutting it anymore.

Removing the Cowl and Wiper Arms

The first step was to remove the wiper arms and the cowl to access the wiper system components. Here’s how I did it:

  1. Removing the Wiper Arms: I used a screwdriver to lift the small tab at the base of each wiper arm, allowing me to wiggle them off their posts.
  2. Taking Off the Cowl: I removed several Phillips screws along the top and carefully lifted the cowl off. It’s a bit tricky, especially if you’re doing it solo, but patience is key. Be cautious to avoid scratching your paint—taking off the hood can make this easier.

Replacing the Washer Pump and Cleaning the Reservoir

The washer fluid pump is one of the easier components to replace:

  • Removing the Reservoir: I unbolted the reservoir and disconnected the old pump.
  • Cleaning: The reservoir was pretty grimy, so I gave it a good scrub.
  • Installing the New Pump: I popped the new pump into place and reattached the hoses.

Upgrading to an Intermittent Wiper Switch

One of the best modern upgrades for these old trucks is adding intermittent wipers. My F-150 didn’t have this feature from the factory, so I sourced an intermittent wiper switch from eBay for about $80.

  • Removing the Old Switch: I took off the knobs for the wiper and headlight switches and removed the dash panel.
  • Installing the New Switch: The new switch plugged right into the existing harness. I had to find a good ground for it, which is crucial for proper operation.

Troubleshooting and Grounding Issues

Initially, I faced some problems:

  • Clicking Noise: The intermittent wiper module was clicking, and the wipers weren’t working correctly.
  • Solution: It turned out to be a grounding issue for the wiper motor. Ensuring a solid ground connection fixed the problem.

Replacing the Wiper Motor with Modifications

The new wiper motor I bought required some modifications to fit:

  • Swapping the Arms: The mounting arm on the new motor was different from the original. I had to swap the old arm onto the new motor.
  • Adjusting the Fit: The hole on the old arm was smaller, so I filed the motor slightly to fit onto the new motor’s shaft.
  • Reinstalling: Once modified, I installed the new motor, ensuring it was correctly zeroed before attaching the wiper arms.

Testing and Final Adjustments

With everything installed:

  • Testing the Wipers: I tested all settings—intermittent, slow, and fast. Everything worked smoothly.
  • Washer Nozzle Issues: The new washer hose from Amazon was of lower quality than the original. I decided to keep the original hose and nozzle after cleaning them.
  • Final Thoughts on Old vs. New Parts: Sometimes, the original parts are superior in quality to new aftermarket replacements.

Conclusion

This project was a mix of straightforward replacements and some tricky modifications. Upgrading to intermittent wipers has been a game-changer for my driving experience. If you’re considering similar upgrades on your Bullnose F-150, I hope my experience helps you out.

Remember:

  • Take your time with disassembly to avoid damaging parts.
  • Ensure good grounding for all electrical components.
  • Don’t hesitate to reuse original parts if they’re in good condition.

Feel free to leave comments if you have any questions or tips from your own experiences!


Bullnose Garage at YouTube

If you want more specific information on Bullnose Ford Trucks, check out my YouTube Channel!

For more information on Bullnose Fords, you can check out the BullnoseFord SubReddit or Gary’s Garagemahal. Both are excellent resources.