[Fast Eddie]

My center windshield wiper motor failed. The plastic gear inside cracked. Marinco does not sell internal parts. The failed unit is #37282 (AFI-GM2) and is no longer available. #71182 (AFI 1.5) is a direct bolt in replacement according to Marinco. However Tiara says while it fits on the center vent window when open it does not allow the vent window to close as it is too wide and too deep. The #37281 is 7 3/4" long, 3 3/4" wide and 2 1/2" deep. The #71182 is 7 3/4" long, 4" wide, and 2 3/4" deep which makes it 1/4" too wide and deep to allow the center vent window to close.

My questions:

1. Does anyone know of a replacement motor model that will work?

2. Does anyone know where I might find a used or broken #37281? I only need the plastic gear. The motor and rest of the mechanism on mine are fine.

3. Does anyone know where I might find a new old stock #37281 motor unit?

4. Any other ideas?

This is frustrating. If I have to use the #71182 unit I will have to do some expensive fiberglass work and deepen the indentation below the center vent to allow it to fit. This seems to be a rather expensive solution to what should be a simple replacement. Tiara has not been able to provide a solution so far. I can't believe I am the first 3800 owner with this problem. The #37281 has been unavailable since at least 2010 if my research is accurate.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Knot Done Yet]

No replacement! went nuts looking for one. I was lucky and able to repair the wiring in mind

[Chris Burkard]

No there is no replacement that will fit properly other than the original.

You have three choices:

1) Locate an original style motor on the internet - New/Old Stock - this is becoming harder to find - put the part number in your search engine and start dialing for dollars. I guarantee that someone has one, it is just a matter of finding it.
2) Purchase and install the new replacement motor and have a fiberglass specialist grind out and refinish a relief pocket in the dash for the new motor to fit into so the window will close all the way (this is what most 38 owners end up doing). This just requires a fiberglass and gel-coat specialist so that it looks factory when it is complete. If you try to grind it out and you are not skilled in fiberglass and gel-coat, it will look like a hack job when it is complete.
3) take your old motor to an electric motor specialist such as a starter/alternator rebuilder. Many times they are able to locate gears and parts you could not hope to find as they specialize in this.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[Chris Burkard]

It's not Tiara's fault as they do not manufacture the lift motor. In the scheme of things, Tiara is a low production boat builder and likely only bought 300 or 400 of these motors. I know several 38's that have had the same issue. Some where able to find New/Old stock motors and most ended up doing the glass work to make the new part fit.

Good Luck and let us know how you make out when you are finished.

[CaptJim4635]

Fast Eddie, were you able to find a part or a fix? Interested to see if there are parts / motors still out there?