240260280z Posted May 16, 2015 Share #1 Posted May 16, 2015 (edited) I just re-assembled one for a friend. The spring was there but the 90 degree spring end that fits in the slot was long gone. I now wonder. What does the spring do? It was interesting that the spring in this 73 had a plastic ring around it. Here is what I am talking about sans ring Edited May 16, 2015 by Blue Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Maras Posted May 16, 2015 Share #2 Posted May 16, 2015 I didn't fully disassemble my linkage on my Sept 73 260. The spring in mine(if there is one) must be broken too. I assume, since it is a clock spring, it puts tension on the arm to hold it in the resting position. Now I'm going fully disassemble my linkage to see if the spring is there. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-469927 Share on other sites More sharing options...
siteunseen Posted May 16, 2015 Share #3 Posted May 16, 2015 Blue and his pictures strike again! I've done tons of stuff after looking at his pics.LaBatts! Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-469933 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Namerow Posted May 17, 2015 Share #4 Posted May 17, 2015 My guess (and that's all it is) is that the spring keeps the entire linkage lightly loaded during the load cycle that the motor and linkage experience as they go about their business. By far, the principal load on the system comes from the friction load created by the wipers sweeping over the glass. That friction load goes through a 'pause' and then reversal when the wiper blades reach the end of their sweep. The clock spring in the motor output link would inhibit a 'click' in the system during the load transition event. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-469964 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Maras Posted May 17, 2015 Share #5 Posted May 17, 2015 Makes sense to me. The spring had a purpose. I haven't looked at mine yet, but I think one could bend a new end on the spring using heat(very small & focused). It has worked for me in the past, The trick is in the cooling. If the spring is quenched too fast the steel becomes brittle, If you don't cool it fast enough it will lose it's springiness. I have found that a rapid quenching & then a slight reheating 350-400 degrees seems to work quite well. This a basic tempering technique used for knives & other tools. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-469977 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcon Posted May 17, 2015 Share #6 Posted May 17, 2015 oil quench or water? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-469988 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Maras Posted May 17, 2015 Share #7 Posted May 17, 2015 I normally use old engine oil. It actually will transfer some carbon from the oil to the surface of the steel hardening it in the process. Are you going to go for it? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-470002 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patcon Posted May 17, 2015 Share #8 Posted May 17, 2015 Maybe at some point. Way down the list though...just getting educated. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-470008 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Obvious Posted May 18, 2015 Share #9 Posted May 18, 2015 There are quite a few different compositions of tool steel designed to be hardenable. Some are designed for an oil quench and some are designed for an air quench. Steel hardening is a complex science. Not easily done right in the home shop. I've done some and have had "reasonable" results. The most difficult hurdle I've had is oxidation while hot. Unless you're using an inert atmosphere or coating the parts with a compound designed for heat treat, the parts get an oxidized scale of material on the outside. If the part is very thin (like a small spring), by the time you oxidize that outer portion, there isn't much left. Most of what I've done has been using O-1 (oil quench 1), but next time the need arises, I'm going to try A-2 (air quench 2) because I believe it machines easier. I'm not sure if either of those grades are suitable for spring making. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-470047 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Maras Posted May 18, 2015 Share #10 Posted May 18, 2015 I agree, scale is a PITA. Concerning this spring, I wouldn't heat it enough to form scale, just enough to keep it from breaking. Air quench HMMM, I'll have to try that. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-470049 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Obvious Posted May 18, 2015 Share #11 Posted May 18, 2015 (edited) Oh, and I forgot about the water hardening series as well. Here's a page from McMaster with a little info on some of the more common grades of tool steel: http://www.mcmaster.com/#tool-steel/=x8iikp And I still have no idea if any of those grades are commonly used for spring applications. I don't do much of that and what I do-do (doodoo?) usually starts with an existing spring with modifications to something that already exists. And one more thing... I purchased some anti-scale coating compound after the last time I did some home hardening. I haven't use it yet as the need hasn't come up, but the next time I'm going to give it a shot. I have a jar of this stuff sitting on the shelf: http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/metal-prep-coloring/heat-treating-accessories/non-scaling-compound-prod1122.aspx Edited May 18, 2015 by Captain Obvious 1 Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/51506-ultra-z-geek-question-what-is-the-purpose-of-the-spring-in-the-wiper-linkage-gear/#findComment-470066 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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