I've been trying to find an affordable alternative to fix my broken windshield wiper motor...and suddenly realized something different about my car. Every photo I've seen on here of the XJS's have the windshield wipers opposite of mine?

When in the park position, my wipers are on the LEFT side (from the POV behind steering wheel) and sweep toward the RIGHT. (note pic) Everyone else seems to be the other way around? Is this going to make a difference?

 

That's the direction my go. I remember reading (vaguely) that XJ-S used a couple of wiper motor/system's during their run - lucas and electolux (or something like that). Difference could be down to that change.

 

There are 2 different systems. the earlier system is cable operated and park infront of the driver. The later systems use linkages and park infront of the passenger.

I am not sure when the change was effected but I know as my 89 park infront of the passenger and have linkages. These are the better wipers.

 

So if I try to update to a new system, I'll have to get the cowl with the assembly?

 

My 87 also has the normal wiper direction, maybe someon replaced the system with that of RHD vehicle....

 

If you can get a whole cowl assembly that would work. There is a difference between RHD and LHD my wipers park on the LH side of the car passenger side.

 

mine are the same as jameys. most of the ones ive seen are opposite to mine.

 

I have just been looking at the facelift cars all of the wipers park on the LHS it is possible Jaguar dropped the LHD RHD wipers in later models when they ditched the cable drive. I will have a look at the parts catalog when I get home.

It is easy to tell if you lift the wipers out (4 nuts) they will have linkages and bars driving them.

 

Then I found a RHD facelift and they park on the RHS - GOD knows what Jaguar did.

It's also possible wipers have been replaced over the years with whatever was available.

Getting back to your original question. I would pull it out and see if you can find a replacement from another vehicle.

 

The motors can be made to park on either side. On the earlier cable version, you simply rotate the cam 180 degrees. On the later electromotive mechanical versions you just move the arm on the motor 180 degrees. They are otherwise the same.

The arms themselves may have a dogleg bent into them to accomodate a left or right park.

 

Well I have some good news! As I may have mentioned, when I took the windshield wiper motor apart it was filled with rust. Well, I have an 87 XJ-6 parts car and the wipers worked in it, however the way it is set up is different. After a little investigation, I found the motor casing and brushes/waferboard are the same! The only difference in the armature is the coarseness of the thread that turns the gear.

So I cleaned up my original armature real good, switched over the case and brush assembly...and voila! Wipers work just like they're supposed to! Total cost: $0.00!

 

The ole' girl passed inspection this morning with flying colors. Glad the wipers are working because I ran into sleet on my way to work tonight!

 

Those motors tend to get wet inside if the plastic shield is broken or missing.

 

After I put the motor back together, I sealed the edges with a waterproof sealer, and cut up a soda bottle and slipped it around the motor. I cut a small drain hole in the bottom and then secured it with zip ties. Hopefully, it's much more weather resistant now!