Screen Wash Pump

Post by **rsawatson** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 10:43 pm

After ignorantly running out of screen wash today, I seem to have managed to make an air lock (or something

) in the mechanism so it is not sucking up screen wash anymore. Presumably, this is due to the fact that I pumped whislt the screen-wash bottle was empty.

Any advice for restoring normal working order?

Post by **Mick_Anik** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 10:50 pm

One-way (non-return) valves are available. But even without one of these, I've always just pumped and it's come through okay.

Await further input.

Post by **PSL184** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 11:47 pm

Suck on pipe to prime pump....

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:08 am

There should be a one-way valve and ilter at the pipe end in the bottle - it sometimes gets blocked.

Post by **Squiggle** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 1:42 pm

bmcecosse wrote:There should be a one-way valve and ilter at the pipe end in the bottle - it sometims gets blocked.

I thought mine needed replacing and ordered one from ESM.

They sent a 'T' shaped one

[rather than the filter that fits on the pipe at the end in the bottle]

that I've not decided how to use yet!

Updated the washer system to have two jets per windscreen as it nearly failed the MOT due to poor action.

Also have air in pipes

Post by **aupickup** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 1:44 pm

yes i got the same thing from esm and was very dissapointed in that

bully sells the proper one

so i will get one from him

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 2:24 pm

Just suck/blow on the tube going into the bottle - after cleaning the little filter with a tooth brush.

Post by **mike.perry** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 2:24 pm

Mounting the washer bottle on the engine bulkhead instead of on the inner wing gives a more effective jet as there is less tubing to pump through. An electric washer motor improves things further and for added refinement replace the wiper switch with a light switch and wire the circuits so that 1st position gives wipers and 2nd position gives washers and wipers.

Post by **Mick_Anik** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 4:11 pm

I like that idea! Here I go again, messing - I wonder if it would be possible to modify the light switch, so it didn't lock in the second position but returned to the first position when released. I shall report back on this, more than likely! (Edit: Here I am back after a bit of fiddling, and I can't see any way to modify the switch....yet!).

I have a Fiat 126 here in Poland for scooting around locally, and they have a flattish 'plastic bag' type of washer bottle, with a motor attached. I'm thinking of using one of these when I get my Moggie back on the road.

Further, there's plenty of room for a washer bottle on the battery shelf, which is very close indeed to the washer jets. Well, right underneath them, in fact

Post by **mike.perry** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:15 pm

The GPO Minor vans were fitted with just such a switch, spring loaded in the 2nd position, I guess that you would have to try every light switch that you came across to find one.
There is a company that deals in Lucas spares, The Electrical Parts Company, tel 01584 811118. They may stock the switches

Post by **Mick_Anik** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:43 pm

Cheers for that. It would be a nice, user-friendly modification. I know it wouldn't be original on my car, but in modern driving conditions, I'd go for it. The screen wash is a very important system, and it could save on the cost of winter screen wash by being more efficient.

I will check, and report back.

Post by **rsawatson** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 12:06 pm

Thank you people for your advice - after sucking and getting nowhere, I lifted the bottle out from the engine bay and turned it upside down - all the air came rushing out when pumped.

Yet another problem solved via the forum!