I have an 86 Yota pickup with variable delay wipers but recently when in delay mode it will stop part way through then continue as if the delay is occurring at the wrong time. and if i turn it off the wipers will stop where they are and not return home. If in slow or fast mode it works fine, unless it is at the top of the arch when I turn it off then they will stay there. Just wondered if anyone else has had this problem and knows what i would have to do to fix it.

 

The intermittent wiper control function is in the turn signal switch itself.
You could try pulling the turn signal assembly out and cleaning all the contacts, but if the poor contact is in the stalk itself I'm not sure how to get that apart without damage.
Pulling the switch does give you the opportunity to clean out the old hard grease and relube with fresh

 

To me, this sounds more like a problem with the home-switch in the wiper motor assembly. https://web.archive.org/web/20110205.../5wiperand.pdf When the wiper "delays," or turns off, it has to know where to go to get the wipers down at the bottom of the arc. It sounds like yours is going to the wrong place.

The FSM page cited shows the switch in the schematic, but nothing about servicing it. I doubt it is a user-serviceable part of the wiper motor. Or, for that matter, whether it's part of the motor itself or in the linkage. RockAuto has wiper motors for about $40. I'd start by inspecting the motor and linkage.