Windshield Washer Electric Pump, Makes noise, but no squirt Options

[Cairo94507]

Look what I found using the search function:

[Cairo94507]

Jesus! This windshield washer system is making me crazy. I found the intake tube lying in the bottom of the washer reservoir so I reinstalled it with a new hose and made sure the little filter that sucks up the water was clean. I verified the pump pumps water by bench testing with a bottle of water, couple hoses and a 9V battery. I installed it all and connected the lines exactly like the diagram. I can not get water to squirt out of the nozzles! Any suggestions? I believe the lines to the nozzles are correct as at one point when testing with a bottle of water, the squirters worked nicely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[DennisV]

Jesus! This windshield washer system is making me crazy. I found the intake tube lying in the bottom of the washer reservoir so I reinstalled it with a new hose and made sure the little filter that sucks up the water was clean. I verified the pump pumps water by bench testing with a bottle of water, couple hoses and a 9V battery. I installed it all and connected the lines exactly like the diagram. I can not get water to squirt out of the nozzles! Any suggestions? I believe the lines to the nozzles are correct as at one point when testing with a bottle of water, the squirters worked nicely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

My car is in a similar state Michael. Unless you uncover a key tip my next visit to the car, my plan is:
1. Remove and soak the squirters. Vinegar?
2. Blast compressed air through the hose lines with nozzles removed.

P.S. I can see the reservoir cap has an intake tube inside the tank connected. I started to remove the cap, but I could hear the plastic cracking as I tried to pull or pry it off. I'm not sure how to get it off without breaking it.

[Cairo94507]

Dennis - I was able to use a couple of putty knifes to pry it up and then it just popped off- no damage. I would definitely set it out in the sun to warm it up first. I already blew air through my lines- they were replaced new in 2019. I also have seen them squirt water out the nozzles. Just need to get that all to work once assembled. I am sure I will figure it out; it is just making me crazy right now. Cheers, Michael

[rgalla9146]

The check valves at the squirters get stuck and will not allow the fluid to flow.
I've removed them back in the day and either left them out or removed the works
inside each one and reinstalled.
By the way, don't striggle to attach the hose to the squirter under the cowl.
If you eliminate the check valves push the hose up through the mounting hole,
slip the hose on, then lower squirter and push /pull untill seated.
Gently use a straight pin to aim the nozzles.
I don't know if the check valves are available anymore ...anyone ?

[Cairo94507]

Ohhhh, that is interesting. Stuck check valves may just be the problem. I will have to see if anyone has them new. Thanks for the info @rgalla9146 . (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[DennisV]

Ohhhh, that is interesting. Stuck check valves may just be the problem.

Did you get yours working?

I finally got the cap off our reservoir and discovered the pickup tube had a small ball valve at the end that was stuck.

[Cairo94507]

Hi Dennis,
What did you do to free up that valve in the reservoir? I did get mine working. I replaced one squirter and added some new line and made sure both check valves were good. Squirts really well. Enough water that if I were still a kid, I would aim the outside squirters towards the cars next to me for fun. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[DennisV]

Hi Dennis,
What did you do to free up that valve in the reservoir? I did get mine working. I replaced one squirter and added some new line and made sure both check valves were good. Squirts really well. Enough water that if I were still a kid, I would aim the outside squirters towards the cars next to me for fun. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

I soaked the valve in carburetor cleaner, then used a brass brush on it, and poked at it with a dental pick until I could hear the ball rattle when I shook it.

Glad you got yours sorted. That's a totally hilarious idea to point the squirters sideways. I might be asking for trouble with that knowledge. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[wonkipop]

The check valves at the squirters get stuck and will not allow the fluid to flow.
I've removed them back in the day and either left them out or removed the works
inside each one and reinstalled.
By the way, don't striggle to attach the hose to the squirter under the cowl.
If you eliminate the check valves push the hose up through the mounting hole,
slip the hose on, then lower squirter and push /pull untill seated.
Gently use a straight pin to aim the nozzles.
I don't know if the check valves are available anymore ...anyone ?

the check valves were still available about 5 years ago.
and from porsche. standard old school 911 gear even on the VW system 4s.
i renewed mine - they were preventing flow to the nozzles.
installed new ones. presto my system worked again.
though now i live in constant fear of the hose coming off the steering wheel switch and strategically aiming itself at my crutch while i am driving with the result all old air-cooled VW drivers know too well. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[jim_hoyland]

Had the same issue. I removed the vent cap and drilled a small hole so air could get in freely. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[wonkipop]

looking at parts diagram above and made me think.
checked the PET diagrams.
the later cars like mine with the black squirters have an inline check valve.
not part of the squirter.

i could get the inline valves from porsche.
if i recall correctly they are 2 straight inline valves and not a single t valve as shown on the parts diagram for later cars. i dunno whether they changed it again or i put inline valves in it way back 35 years ago when i was preparing the car for road registration in australia and i got the windscreen washer system up and running way back then.

and i dunno if the earlier squirters come apart and the check valve can be removed from the bottom of it. but you definitely could get the inline valve. tube in and tube out. and the valves can misbehave and stop the system squirting.