WINDSCREEN WASHOUT

[neil4030]

My late traveller 'benefits' from the nice old fashioned vacuum pump windscreen washers and for some time, I put up with the fact that when pressing the pump button; a drizzle of water dripped out of the passenger side nozzle with the driver's side blowing a series of small bubbles. On 'dirty road days' I found it quite challenging to drive in a straight line whilst leaning across the passenger seat to peer through a grubby porthole. Something had to change! So I sent for an electrical conversion kit from one of our long established suppliers and whilst it was surprisingly cheap, I was disappointed by it's quality. Having read all the available advice on this forum, I decided to stick with the original system instead and to replace the the existing pump, water tubes, nozzles and tube connectors with all new parts. That little lot worked out considerably more expensive than the electrical version but as I tend to be a dimwit with electrical stuff, I assumed replacing the 'old system' would be straightforward. Not so! All new joints, nozzles, tubes and pump work perfectly and I re-sited the washer bottle from it's position in the bowels of the engine bay to a more sensible and much higher position on the bulkhead. It all went together and I sucked water into the tubes prior to connecting the pump. I was careful to make the correct pump connections as well and I could see through the clear tubes that it was moving the water in the right direction but at a snail's pace. After much 'pumping' and quite a lot of swearing, "A DRIZZLE OF WATER DRIPPED OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE NOZZLE WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE BLOWING A SERIES OF SMALL BUBBLES." Back to square one but with a far lighter wallet. I must stress that everything is new and working correctly. No blockages, no mixed up connections; all new and all correct. Is it simply the case that these manual pumps are too weak to push water along to both nozzles? That is really my question here (sorry about all the above 'drizzle' but it has been therapeutic) and in the meantime, I disconnected the passenger side nozzle and fitted an inline tube connector to the driver's side only and eureka, a jet of purest Lancashire water struck the screen (well actually the garage roof to begin with) on the driver's side. So come on all you little pumpers out there; is anyone managing to produce two jets and if so; how??

[lambrettalad]

does your pump have leak?,put your finger over the hole does it keep it's vacuum or can you feel the pressure hold?

[kennatt]

did you get a new one way valve,its usually fitted on the end of the tube that goes into the bottle,sounds like thats where your problem may be.

[bmcecosse]

My original system works a treat - good strong jets from both nozzles with just one or two prods at the button. I've never been able to understand why folks bother with electrical washers. Needless complication! Keep it Simples.....

[GeordieDave]

My thought was that you had the pump wired up the wrong way? It would still turn, but not as efficiently. If you're sure everything is connected correctly....

[lambrettalad]

Geordie
he's gone back to the non electrical pump

[neil4030]

New bottle with it's non return valve fitted. I can't help thinking I have missed the obvious but then, I always feel like that so.........

[neil4030]

and new pump works well with good pressure and no leaks.

[lambrettalad]

air lock?,needs bleeding?

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I am unfamiliar with the Vintage type of screenwashers but a problem I often encounter is the little gauze filter on the washer-bottle pick-up becoming choked with scum over time. This is removable and after cleaning the difference in jet performance is incredible. Considering you've replaced most if not all the parts have you perhaps overlooked this?

[neil4030]

Thanks but no, all are new parts including the bottle and it's valve. At least it washes the driver's side now which is a lot better.

[David W.]

Is the bottle sealed keeping air from coming in as the water goes out?

[neil4030]

it is yes.

[NOEL]

I had a similar issue with mine prior to the recent MOT, I found using a small pin to clear the jets worked for me, from what I understand the flow of water is there as you have a jet working on the drivers side so that would indicate the pump is working so I would look at a blockage regarding the passenger side. I took the valve off at the bottle end on the tube and filled a syringe from an old empty antifreeze tester with water( you can get a similar item in Wilkinsons for less than a £ ) and then pumped this to expel water thru the system to try and check for any leaks or blocked areas, combining this with the use of a pin to clear out the jets restored performance.

[neil4030]

Many thanks. Will try that.

[neil4030]

Stripped everything out again today and fitted further new tubes, three way connector and further new jets. I now have four strong sprays of water hitting screen. I think there must have been a blockage in the other new three way, maybe a tiny piece of plastic inside that was moving with the water flow and causing a blockage. In other words, rubbish after market bits and pieces that cause us those 'dark hours' Edd C. mentioned the other night!
Thanks for your help everyone and as you say Roy; simples is always best in the end....

[bmcecosse]