What makes windshield washer pumps freeze up?

[Joe Bob]

Bought one from our host, prolly within the last three years. Used VERY sparingly and now it's locked up. Of course I ruined the damn rubber isolators upon removal.....pricey buggers for what they are.

I strictly used windshield wiper fluid, not straight water......is there something I did wrong with this off the shelf fluid or just low end labor or parts?

I have run compressed air thru the inlet and outlet. Gave it the old solenoid whack and applied 12v. I feel a jolt as power hits it but no spin of the motor.

This is irritating.

[timmy2]

The fluid tends to dry up in them and gums up the tiny impeller. I have taken mine apart and cleaned it with alcohol successfully.
The rubber mounts are stupid....

[Jrboulder]

Mine had some weird sludge in it.

Took it apart, cleaned it up and installed new check valves, nozzles and hose and the system works incredibly well. I just ran a zip tie through the 2 lower holes and then between the motor body and the bracket and it's nice and snug. Took about 30 minutes for all of that...

[Joe Bob]

Well, gonna see if they will warranty it. I don't think I used it more than 20 squirts. Will hit it alcohol and see if it works.

[ClickClickBoom]

Note the methanol, stuff is extremely corrosive to most metals. If you don't need antifreeze capabilities, plenty of youtube videos with recipes.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Will hit it alcohol and see if it works.

I tried that. I woke up the next morning with a big headache and my wiper pump still didn't work

Seriously though, where are the check valves located? I can hear my pump hum when activated but no flow. I was told there are check valves and other things that can keep the fluid from flowing properly.

[einsteiger]

Same with my old Benz. The fact that they don't get used much contributes to the deterioration. Use it or lose it, I guess. Good luck.

[Joe Bob]

Lines are clear, it is definitely the pump. Ordered a new one, get installed today.