Solarman, that sounds likle a really good idea - will give that a go and see what;s what. It's not a disaster, now I know it does it - just need to leave it running for 5 mins before I need to use it but it;s not ideal.
Banshee, it's on the older normal dials and I guess cable-driven, so I'll see if I can find one from a breaker and see if that is any better. Like I say, it seems to have different sized numbers and is blue while the rest is white so I'm guessing it's from something else.
Oh, and the rear wiper seems to have a mind of its own - the PO removed the wiper arm as the motors sometimes runs constantly and sometimes, not at all. Will try the relay under the motor at the front to see if it's wet and if not, I saw someone on here mentioned it might be the park position of the motor FUBAR...
Good job I like tinkering...