Washer pump

[stag36587]

I am keen if possible to retain the original style manual windscreen washer pump but will change to electric if necessary.

The original's internal diaphragm had gone so I have tried a new pump. From what I can see the pump is not pulling up water from the washer bottle with sufficient pressure. What could the problem be? As far as I can tell the new pump is ok.

Incidentally on a mini forum ai noticed that the similar washer system has an inline one way valve between pump and jets as
well as the non return valve at the bottle end. Presume this would be a good idea on the minor too?

An ideas?

[bmcecosse]

Check if there is a wee filter on the end of the pipe -inside the washer bottle. This tends to 'fur up' on my TR7 and has to be cleaned (a 1 minute job) annually.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Some times you need to prime these pumps to get them started, firstly clean the end that fits in the bottle carefully, get some clean drinking water and take a mouthful and then blow it down the pipe until you see water coming out the jets!! Then fit your non return valve and hopefully the pump should pick up then when pushed

[stag36587]

Thanks both, will give that a try. Non-return valve and filter are brand new and pipe isn't gummed up so hopefully priming it will make a difference

[stag36587]

Sadly still no joy so removed the new pump from the car and tried to test it from a bowl of water. This worked with the old failed pump despite the leaky diaphragm but the new pump doesn't seem to pick up any water at all.

[The vast minority]

Badly made "new pump"?

Sadly as we all know, " new" these days is nothing line as good as old stuff.

Try a wanted ad for a genuine pump, I've probaby got one somewhere you can have as I took one out to fit electric. I will have a look in the spared box today for ya.

If I find it, it's yours for free but place a wanted ad in case I can't find it.

Al

[panky]

The pump on Ted was leaking so I had it to bits. The rubber bellows inside was leaking around where it was attached to the body of the pump, it pulled off easily and a quick clean up and smear of silicon grease had it working and leak free

[stag36587]

Try a wanted ad for a genuine pump, I've probaby got one somewhere you can have as I took one out to fit electric. I will have a look in the spared box today for ya. If I find it, it's yours for free but place a wanted ad in case I can't find it.



Very kind Al. Thanks.

[stag36587]

The pump on Ted was leaking so I had it to bits. The rubber bellows inside was leaking around where it was attached to the body of the pump, it pulled off easily and a quick clean up and smear of silicon grease had it working and leak free

Good plan - I took apart the original and the replacement. Rubber all looks in good order though new pump rubber is thinner than the original. I smeared silicone goo round the appropriate places and reassembled. Don't want to count my chickens but even the replacement pump pulled water this time. Just hope one of them works when put back n the car

[The vast minority]

Sounds like a promising development.
I've looked in 2 ammo boxes, not found the pump yet but will keep looking.

Al

[stag36587]

So as water still not coming from the jets despite leak free pumps x2, I have just removed the whole washer system from the car for some kitchen sink testing (sorry darling but this is an essential MOT requirement)

Using the whole system up to the t-piece it works perfectly - but only when I first dip the t-piece underwater almost as if I need to create some back pressure (which I wouldnt get of course with open jets). Can someone explain the logic of that please and suggest a fix? I can't really dismantle and back-prime the system every time I need to use it!

Thanks

[panky]

Is the non-return valve working OK, it should hold water in the system so keeping it primed.

[stag36587]

Yes it seems to be but I'm wondering if it might also be worth adding an inline valve between pump and jets too

[stag36587]

So, I moved the washer bottle to the bulkhead and also fitted an in-line non-return valve between pump and jets (as recommended on a mini forum). The pipe is now much shorter of course between bottle and jets and it is all now working really easily. I would recommend this modification to anyone who has had problems with the manual pump.