Washer tank removal

stealthn · 07-30-2002, 05:14 PM

Hi,

I am trying to clean out my windshield washer lines, and fix the headlight washers (79SC), and I can't figure out how the fluid tank removes???

There is a bolt on the bottom, but I think it's seized, and a bolt on the top behind the tank lid, but I can't get to it.

I would like to get the top of the tank off, but I can't budge it without removing the tank.

I would like to get this done tonight, so if anyone could help...please respond.

Thanks,

stealthn · 07-30-2002, 05:41 PM

'lil help .....?

Doug Zielke · 07-30-2002, 06:12 PM

Bob,
Removing the washer tank is a beech!

When I did mine, all the fasteners were rusted beyond hope. I had to cut them off with a Dremel. The tank is held on with bolts and a steel strap that wraps around the tank. I don't remember the exact details...it's a job I never want to do again.

There is one important reason (besides fixing your washers) to remove the tank. The tank acts as a shield for all the trapped dirt that gets in behind it. I must have cleaned out 5 lbs of dirt from there. It's one of the reasons you get rust around the headlight bucket on that side.

Good luck!

stealthn · 07-30-2002, 06:20 PM

Thanks Doug,

Do you remember if it's the two bolts on both sides of the tank, or the one at the top?

Which tube goes to the pump? There are two on the cap. If I could get the cap of the tank off i'd be OK, or just remove the tube to the pump.

Thanks in advance,

Doug Zielke · 07-30-2002, 06:50 PM

Bob,
I think there was 1 long bolt securing the tank strap to a bracket welded to the body, near the top. If I remember correctly, the nut on the strap is captive.

There is limited access to the fasteners. You have to take the wheel off to really get inside the fender to work on it. It's also hard to see what you're doing and get a wrench on things.

As far as the tubes go, I can't remember, but on mine there wasn't a lot of slack so they could only go on one way. The wiring is pretty tight too. The pump motor fits inside a nook in the tank. Mine was terribly corroded and dirty on the outside. I thought I'd have to replace it, but an hour-long cleaning session saved it. You can bench test it with a 12v battery and see where the pressure comes from.

I wish I could offer more help, but it's been 2 years since I worked on it.

stealthn · 07-30-2002, 08:04 PM

Doug,

Thanks for the info. I'll let my bolt sit overnight with a liquid wrench bath.

I've been breaking alot of bolts lately, but none on my Porsche. So I'll wait.

If anyone has a diagram of the washer fluid tank and connections/tubing, please post.

Thanks to all.

cary · 04:18 AM

You have the rusty long bolt on the bottom. Liberal quantities of PB Blaster.
The strap top sits in a track behind the tank upper portion.
The tank on the top, is attached thru a vertical flange molded into the upper portion of the tank. Its tough to get at. I finally put putty in my 10mm 1/4" socket to hold it in place. The trick is lineing every thing up.

Good Luck It's a hold your mouth right deal.

pwd72s · 07-30-2002, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cary
You have the rusty long bolt on the bottom. Liberal quantities of PB Blaster.
The strap top sits in a track behind the tank upper portion.
The tank on the top, is attached thru a vertical flange molded into the upper portion of the tank. Its tough to get at. I finally put putty in my 10mm 1/4" socket to hold it in place. The trick is lineing every thing up.

Good LuckIt's a hold your mouth right deal.

PB BLASTER! Never heard of the stuff before Ron visited here...we were in a place that stocked it. He mentioned it, I bought a can. Used it on a VERY corroded mess on my old '77 pickemup a few days ago. Cary? Count me among the believers! So much better than liquid wrench...it really is great stuff! How'd you guys ever come across it? I mean, it's label is a joke...but it sure isn't.

cary · 07-31-2002, 04:16 AM

I got my direction from Steve Weiner. Like you, I'd never heard of it before. I'm on my second can this year.
Sitting here trying to remember what project I was working on when he directed me towards it. I think it was replacing the oil lines up front.

stealthn · 07-31-2002, 05:20 PM

I'll give it a try...

Cary, if I just undo the bottom bolt on the strap will the tank come out, or do I need to undo the top bolt too?

Slow on the uptake

Thanks

cary · 07-31-2002, 05:29 PM

Nope...........it has to come out. It's attaches to the back of the headlight bucket. It's a hole, not a slot. Sorry.

Roland Kunz · 08-01-2002, 09:17 PM

Hello

If the bolt woun´t come lose then you can pray the retangular nut out from the U end.

Renewing the 3 PVC hoses for the washer don´t need to remove the tank.

The middle tube is suction the outher forward is return/overflow and the inner backward is the ventline up into the filler flap.

Grüsse

stealthn · 08-03-2002, 07:19 AM

Roland,

Thanks, but I can't get to the tubes on the top. As well the lid won't come off, so I have to drop the tank.

I will have look at prying the nut off. It's funny how such a simple thing can be such a pain in the ass.

It shocks me to see how much stuff Porsche put in the wheel wells without any cover...I guess when you have such a small car you have to cram everything anywhere. I just wish I had some of those small handed factory elves for this job.

Doug Zielke · 08-03-2002, 07:54 AM

Don't say I didn't warn ya, Bob!
And don't be surprised if the old hoses are as brittle as glass. I replaced all mine with some new vinyl ones.

When you finally get the *^$#@^ tank out, be sure to take a real good look into the areas behind it. It's a rare chance to clean all that (rust producing) muck outta there!

cary · 08-03-2002, 08:48 AM

Try and give the nut a blast of PB Blaster and let it sit over night.
Might help. It's a b****. Give it a couple attempts. Give it a rest and come back after it.
That's what I did. Finally worked.

stealthn · 08-06-2002, 05:08 PM

To anyone that cares...

I could not find PB Blaster anywhere, and I tried everything else. I was not able to get the bolt on the bottom off. I know if I keep trying I'd break it or the tank.

I was finally able to get the tank lid off with a strap wrench (I had a ***** of a time even getting the strap around the lid)!

The pick-up was deteriorated so I removed it and cleaned out the line to the pump, but this still didn't fix the windsheild washers. I think it's the pump, as it comes on but does not generate enough suction.

I'll pick one up at a dealer locally as they stock them.

I'll fix it yet!

And as for the dirt infront and on top of the tanks, unreal!! They really should have put a inner liner in the wheel wells, now I know where the rust comes from.

cary · 08-06-2002, 06:16 PM

On the pump, did you pull the hoses off ? Cut them back about 1/2 inch. Boil a cup of water in the microwave. Dip the ends in the hot water and slide them on. This might help on the suction side.