Windscreen Washers

[RobMoore]

Or rather the pump.
A few weeks back my washers stopped pumping water. had it all out today and it pumps water fine yet as soon as I place the water bottle back in its cradle despite the pump whirring away not water is being moved.

[simmitc]

From what you say, I deduce that you have replaced the standard manual pump with an electric one. Are the jets blocked or the hose kinked behind the dashboard? It's not unknown for the small plastic T-piece behind the dash to break after 45 years meaning that the pump does pump, but the water goes behind the dash rather than through the jets. Are the tubes on the pump the right way round (one inlet, one outlet) and are the wires on the correct terminals - if not, the pump will still run but won't pump. How about a failed non-return valve? It could just be that the pump has worn out and will move a small amount of water at low level, but cannot manage the head to lift the water to the jets.

[RobMoore]

It is indeed an aftermarket AFAIK.
I have no water leaking behind dash, wires are connected correctly. It was working perfectly a few weeks back.
The odd thing is that when I lift the bottle up to regulator height it pushes water quite efficiently and everything works great.
As soon as I place it back it no longer pushes water to the washer jets

[charlie_morris_minor]

you have your answer.. the pump can not suck the water up and is U.S., time to buy a new one...

[mike.perry]

The best place to mount the washer bottle is on the engine compartment bulkhead, near the fuel pump, with the washer motor next to it. Why pump up a head of water when you do not need to? Also if you swap the wiper switch for a light switch you can work the wipers and washers from the same switch