Wiper motor repair

Richard Stone mends his deck saloon windscreen wipers

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I sail a Degero DS331 which, having a deck saloon, allows me to stay out of inclement weather when sailing.

However, it does require working windscreen wipers when it is raining or when taking sea spray over the bow, to keep a good lookout from the saloon.

Unfortunately, after 20 years of use, one wiper had begun to run slowly and finally stopped working altogether.

A quick inspection showed nothing obviously wrong, and on removing the connecting arm, the electric motor spun freely, but it was impossible to move the shaft, which was seized solid.

Assuming that salt had penetrated the outer shaft seal, I tried soaking the shaft in vinegar, but this had no effect -so the assembly would need to be dismantled to free the shaft.