I removed my windshield wiper motor and linkage to paint the engine bay and cowl area on my '89 'Bird, and now that I have reinstalled the parts, the wipers don't work.

The motor turns on, but the wipers only move a few degrees, not even close to a full sweep.

It seems as though the linkage is binding, but if I disconnect it from the motor, I can move the wipers by hand.

I have tried adjusting the linkage via the slots on the rod by the motor with no change.

I have tried two other known good motors, also with no change.

I don't understand how I could put the exact same parts back on and have a problem.

I'd appreciate any help or questions anyone has.
Thank you .

 

If you disconnect the wiper linkage does the motor spin freely? It sounds like the linkage is clocked wrong and reciprocating at the wrong point.

 

I had the same problem. I had the wiper linkage on wrong. Disconnect the linkage where the 2 screws hold it together and move the linkage for the wipers so the wipers will move up a bit then re-attach the linkage to the motor with the 2 screws. Hard to explain but you can attach the linkage(with the 2 screws) in 2 positions, one wrong which will bind up. The holes will line up both ways. Good luck.