Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-20-2022, 11:25 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Spike's Avatar
 
City: Ft. Myers, FL.
Vessel Name: Chasing 80
Vessel Model: Chris Craft Constellation 460
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 142
Wiper Arm Removal

While changing the blades on my wiper's I managed to break one of the pantograph arms. Decided it would be best to replace all 3 wiper arms. I was able to remove the nuts after a few doses of PB Blaster but the fitting on the main arms remain firmly in place on all 3.

I was able to fit a tapered pry bar between the large nut and bottom of the arm (see picture) and tap it in with a hammer but no joy. I've considered removing the 2 Phillip's head screws to remove the whole thing but am afraid that would result in the motor separating on the inside which would require some major cabinet removal. It's not really in a good place to apply heat, pretty tight clearance. I'm considering a dremmel tool to cut through the fitting but it looks pretty thick, maybe 1/2". Thought I'd check here before going forward incase anyone has had a similar issue and found a way. Thanks in advance.
Attached Thumbnails
Wiper Arm.jpg   closeup.jpg  
__________________
Kevin
Chris Craft Constellation 460/Chasing 80
https://chasing80.blogspot.com
Spike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 11:45 AM   #2
Moderator Emeritus
 
ksanders's Avatar
 
City: SEWARD ALASKA
Vessel Name: DOS PECES
Vessel Model: BAYLINER 4788
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,266
I've had to use a dremel cut off blade to make slits in the wiper arm and then use a screwdriver to pry the wiper arm apart.
__________________
Kevin Sanders
Bayliner 4788 Dos Peces
Seward, Alaska - La Paz, Baja California Sur
https://maps.findmespot.com/s/XLJZ#history/assets
ksanders is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 11:47 AM   #3
Moderator Emeritus
 
Comodave's Avatar
 
City: Au Gres, MI
Vessel Name: Black Dog
Vessel Model: Formula 41PC
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 21,186
The shaft may be splined and looks like it is firmly corroded in place. If you can’t do heat with a gun, maybe a big soldering iron laid again it??? I would PB the heck out of it first followed by some tapping on it to create vibrations to help work the PB into the fitting. Let it sit a couple of days and repeat the PB and tapping multiple times.
__________________
Boat Nut:
If you are one there is no explanation necessary.
If you aren’t one, there is no explanation possible.
Comodave is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 11:49 AM   #4
Moderator Emeritus
 
Comodave's Avatar
 
City: Au Gres, MI
Vessel Name: Black Dog
Vessel Model: Formula 41PC
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 21,186
Quote:
Originally Posted by ksanders View Post
I've had to use a dremel cut off blade to make slits in the wiper arm and then use a screwdriver to pry the wiper arm apart.
That is a good idea too it you can get the bit up in there. I have a flexible extension for my Dremel. Something like that may let you get up in there.
__________________
Boat Nut:
If you are one there is no explanation necessary.
If you aren’t one, there is no explanation possible.
Comodave is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 12:22 PM   #5
Guru
 
City: Olympia
Vessel Name: Rendezvous
Vessel Model: Blue water 40
Join Date: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,815
maybe something like this can do it? no relation to seller.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/23073433563...IaAu72EALw_wcB
Bmarler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 12:37 PM   #6
Guru
 
C lectric's Avatar
 
City: Gibsons, B.C., Canada
Vessel Name: Island Pride
Vessel Model: Palmer 32'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,414
Take a very close look at the shaft where the wiper arm attaches. You may have a clip that hooks over the drive spline to hold the arm into place.
THat clip needs to be held back with a screwdriver. Then maybe the whole arm will release. It will still take some discussion as the spline engagement may have corroded.

Use some penetrating oil also.

A Dremel on the top could be used to produce a hole over the spline adapter and then a small puller to pull the arm off. If you go that route then spraying is even easier.

When you reassemble coat the spline adapter and the inside of the arm spline with a
silicone grease, auto grease, or some kind of lubricant. That will prevent the corrosion from seizing the internal and external splines.

I am in the process, one more to do, of changing my arms to Ongaro made units.

They use a small screw to secure the arm spline onto the motor spline by clamping. When loosened the arm is easily removed. I still grease it though.
C lectric is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 01:15 PM   #7
Guru
 
KnotYet's Avatar
 
City: Los Angeles
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,487
A small gear puller may do the job once the penetrant has soaked in.
__________________
Science doesn't care what you believe. -Neil deGrasse Tyson
KnotYet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 02:51 PM   #8
Veteran Member
 
DWJensen's Avatar
 
City: Up and down the US east coast
Vessel Name: Calypso
Vessel Model: Heritage East 36 Sundeck
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 90
I just dealt with a similar issue on my HE36 - All three wiper arms were firmly corroded to the shafts. They're normally held in place with small splines and a set screw on each, but mine weren't budging even after a couple of days of PB. I have a bit better access I think and was able to use my mini butane torch to pinpoint heat on the fitting. Heated them up and gave a light tap with a hammer and they popped right off.

Here's the torch I use (works great with the hot air fitting for heat shrink tubing and connectors as well): https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzoma...0194/100564678
__________________
Daz
DWJensen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 05:22 PM   #9
Guru
 
tiltrider1's Avatar
 
City: Seattle
Vessel Name: AZZURRA
Vessel Model: Ocean Alexander 54
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,308
First I would see if you can find wiper arms of that style. I have my doubts that such arms are available. I think you are opening a big can worms.
tiltrider1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 05:36 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Spike's Avatar
 
City: Ft. Myers, FL.
Vessel Name: Chasing 80
Vessel Model: Chris Craft Constellation 460
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 142
Thanks for all the ideas. As of now I'm in the PB/tap-tap/wiggle mode. I'll give this a few days before resorting to destruction. The wiper arm puller would be perfect if there was clearance but it's only about 1/2". The butane torch is a great idea and may work in that area if I add some protection since it's a very direct flame. This is exactly why I came here for advice! I've looked again and can't see anything else that could be securing the arm.

I've already purchased the replacement arms so there is no issue there. Marine Connection Liquidators in Ft. Pierce FL is an amazing place if you ever get the chance!
__________________
Kevin
Chris Craft Constellation 460/Chasing 80
https://chasing80.blogspot.com
Spike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 06:01 PM   #11
Guru
 
KnotYet's Avatar
 
City: Los Angeles
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,487
When those new arms go on I would use plenty of anti-seize, too.
__________________
Science doesn't care what you believe. -Neil deGrasse Tyson
KnotYet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2022, 11:07 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
DCDC's Avatar
 
City: New Orleans
Vessel Name: Stella
Vessel Model: Seaton 56
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 272
I recently removed our pantograph arms. Tried PB Blaster, hammer with wooden wedge and a torch, but no luck. Purchased the below tool which worked well. Short enough to just fit under overhang clearance. Pricey but professional grade. Less expensive versions available but they looked flimsy.
Attached Thumbnails
F507391A-27BF-4651-A9A4-660A96945F3B.jpeg   ADD89012-4745-4928-95D1-45D26644DA5A.jpeg  
DCDC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2022, 07:11 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Spike's Avatar
 
City: Ft. Myers, FL.
Vessel Name: Chasing 80
Vessel Model: Chris Craft Constellation 460
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 142
Thanks, that just may fit. Nothing else has worked so far. Do you recall where you got the puller?
__________________
Kevin
Chris Craft Constellation 460/Chasing 80
https://chasing80.blogspot.com
Spike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2022, 08:37 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
DCDC's Avatar
 
City: New Orleans
Vessel Name: Stella
Vessel Model: Seaton 56
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 272
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spike View Post
Thanks, that just may fit. Nothing else has worked so far. Do you recall where you got the puller?
Amazon has variety of designs and prices. Search for ‘wiper puller’. The one I used needed ~3 1/2” clearance from bottom edge of wiper, but could be reduced by an inch with a shorter bolt. Looks like 14mm/1.5mm pitch.
DCDC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2022, 08:54 AM   #15
Guru
 
City: Warwick RI
Vessel Name: Lollygag
Vessel Model: 34 Mainship Pilot Hardtop
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 872
Auto zone has the puller for $10. Take a careful look there may also be a small Allen screw located in the wiper arm. Mine was covered w crud and hard to see.

Also when putting the new arms on make sure you have the angle right or you get to pry them off and do again.
Lollygag1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2022, 08:59 AM   #16
Guru
 
City: Carefree, Arizona
Vessel Name: sunchaser V
Vessel Model: DeFever 48 (sold)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,186
On some pantograph setups pull the arms up and away from the windshield which releases tension on the built in clamping device.
sunchaser is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2022, 09:44 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
NWSeadog's Avatar
 
City: La Conner, WA
Vessel Name: Carousel
Vessel Model: Bayliner 4788 (1998)
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 249
Quote:
Originally Posted by KnotYet View Post
A small gear puller may do the job once the penetrant has soaked in.
NWSeadog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 01:01 PM   #18
Member
 
City: New Smyrna Beach
Vessel Name: Weezer
Vessel Model: Fleming 55
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 11
Endorse what tiltrider1 said - don't go forward until you have a solution that's tried and proven. I'd fix one, and then decide if the other two can be improved by pulling them.
bvaldyke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2022, 06:41 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
mickand's Avatar
 
City: Naples Fl
Vessel Name: Phantom
Vessel Model: Cheer Men PT41
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 149
I cut into each side with a Dremel and cutting wheel, then tapped in a screwdriver lightly - came straight off
mickand is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2022, 10:43 AM   #20
Senior Member
 
Newtrawlerowner's Avatar
 
City: Delray Beach, FL and Denver, CO
Vessel Name: PartnerShip II
Vessel Model: 2003 Mainship 400
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 324
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiltrider1 View Post
First I would see if you can find wiper arms of that style. I have my doubts that such arms are available. I think you are opening a big can worms.

I was able to purchase replacement arms for my Mainship 400 from Amazon. My research suggests most boat manufacturers uses 1 of 2 different types, AFI or MRV.
As far as removal some lubricant, a little heat and a pry bar with a wood block against the fiberglass and mine popped right off. Don't forget the set screw as mentioned as well but yours may not have it if a nut is used to secure the arm.
Newtrawlerowner is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:48 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012