Windshield Wiper Fluid Not Functioning???

[SpecCarrera]

I recently filled my washer tank next to the fuel cap, and
pulled the wiper lever back and not one drop of spray reached the windshield.... all I hear is the motor, but nothing more... I have never filled up the tank in the 8 months I've owned the car- I have a new windshild, and clean it at the gas station with less mess.... it might be all dried out by now, or the car came like that...

Read that the wiper fluid lines crack (my car is a 87) and you will not reach the nozzles.

I cleared the nozzles with a pin, and they appear ok...

I tracked the lines down to the suspected pump near the spare tire (correct location?)

I see some thicker braided looking lines (brake?), and the typical smaller clear lines-- with blue tint-- (old fluid in the line I guess)

If the motor is fine to my knowledge- I hear it trying to do it's job, so what's the best way to get the system working again, replace the lines with new ones?

Thanks!

[rickdm]

I have been going through my own windshield washer trauma. I had a cracked tank, so I replaced it last weekend but only got a little dribble on one side of the windshield. I cleaned the nozzles with a pin, but I am told that the crud builds up inside of them, so I am now replacing them ($7.50/pair). If that doesn't work I will move on to the pump ($39), and if that doesn't work I will try the hoses. I figure at some point fluid has to start coming out. Pelican has all the parts you need.

Regards,
rickdm

[Walter_Middie]

My tank broke right where the tube exits to feed the pump. I have JB welded it a couple of times.....it's currently working (knock of wood). You can check your line using compressed air - that will tell you if anything is blocked. Then feed the pump with a separate supply of liquid, like a glass filled with water, to see if everything after the tank is OK. Then check the tank.

[SpecCarrera]

Thanks Rickdm,

I will probably go the same route after checking for leaks... can't find any yet...

Regards,

Patrick

[Hugh R]

You have some one way valves inline that Pelican sells they hold the fluid in the line so that it doesn't drain down and take forever to refill. They get plugged with junk. Bypass them with drip irrigation hose barbs from Home Depot, or get new ones from Pelican. BTW, they are located behind the cardboard panel up against the dash in the front trunk. The same is true for the headlight washers. The hoses are so tight behind the dash, you may want to add a foot of new tygon tubing just so that you can work.

[Zef]

Got same problem...replace the two check valves...they are located just before the nozzles...

[Bill in OKC]

Same problem here. It seems like this car has accumulated every possible problem known to man... and I still love it. I've bought new pumps but maybe it is the check valves. I'm thinking I might replace all of the tubing as well.

[Wil Ferch]

My vote ( for first check) is to inspect the check valves immediately under the squirts on the cowling......

- Wil

[SpecCarrera]

Will do... thanks for the tips...

Patrick