Windshield washer pump mystery

[911carl]

Hi,

I'm struggling a already a while with fixing my windshield washer system.
I've installed a new pump and I can hear it working but no fluid comes out. When I suck a bit at the incoming tube, I immediately get the fluid and when I blow at the outgoing tubes, there is no blockage as well. My tubes are transparent and the pump just doesn't suck any fluid.

Any idea what the reason might be? For me this is a mystery...

Thanks a lot!

[Trog]

Is it rotating in the correct direction? Try changing polarity and report back.

[Joe Bob]

Check valves could be frozen. Do you have a flow diagram? Low pressure air pumped thru the lines will help diagnose any blockages.

[Targalid]

In my case, the problem was twofold, crud in the washer reservoir and a clear plastic line with an air leak that prevented fluid uptake. Solution was to remove the tank, clean it, replace damaged plastic lines. Can you imagine the plastic was cracked after thirty five years? What has happened to quality?

[sugarwood]

Here is some more info on frozen check valves.

Dead windshield washer nozzle culprit: Check valve (not the nozzle or T-fitting)

[911carl]

Changing polarity didn't work. I'll check the valves tomorrow. I've also read about low voltage at the pump on the forum, so I'll check that as well.

[88911coupe]

I had similar issues some time back and it was old, dried wax, dirt, etc. in the jets themselves. IIRC I used a VERY thin piece of wire to loosen it up then ran a bunch of cleaner through it. Helps also to just run them on occasion. I notice my check valve must be bad b/c when I need them it can take some time for the washer fluid to make it way up to the squirters.

[garrett490]

disconnect the hose from the outlet side of the pump and then give it power...does water spray out all into your trunk? If it does you know its blocked up stream, if it doesn't you know to look between the pump and the reservoir.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by garrett490

disconnect the hose from the outlet side of the pump and then give it power...does water spray out all into your trunk? If it does you know its blocked up stream, if it doesn't you know to look between the pump and the reservoir.

+1

Also put your wet finger over the inlet side of the pump and have a friend pull the stalk. You should feel suction.

Assuming your car is 70's/80's vintage. Just get the new squirtie check valves as they are probably played out. Even if not your core issue.

I do remember having to fart around with priming and such even after all was replaced with new.

[Jose_JGC]

I had a similar situation recently and the reason was that the valves under the two spray nozzles had been installed upside down. There is an arrow mark indicating the flow in these valves, but someone at the paint shop installed these wrong. You say that the hoses are transparent, did you replaced these recently? If so then it is possible that you might have installed these valves wrong.

[911carl]

Omg, just started working again on the windshield washer pump using your tips and noted that on my new pump 24V is written. I suppose this should be 12V right? Strange that it is the exact same model as the original one. Were there any Porsche or perhaps VW models using 24V? I'll go back to the garage next week to change the pump and then hopefully everything works when installed... Thanks a lot for your help!