Headlight Washers Not Working

[Discseven]

Late '79 with new headlight washers---flush mount type---and neither work. Before installing the nozzles the pump was run and it put out a significant volume of water. Hoses from the T to the washers are new with new clamps---no leaks showing. Water tank was flushed and filled with distilled water. Before installing, I blew into each new nozzle (EDIT: I'll note later in thread that this is an error on my part. I blew into the pressure control valves) and it was very hard but air did pass through. Figured the resistance was to build pressure in the system. I know to turn the headlights on to activate the system. When the washer switch is turned on, pump runs but zip comes out of nozzles. Ideas where to go with this would be appreciated.

[universeman]

Soak nozzles in vinegar overnight, rinse and try again?

[GH85Carrera]

Are you sure there is enough water in the tank?

I fought with mine once and was about ready to rip the pump our and replace it. Then I realized the tank was empty. Homer Simpson DOH!

[sugarwood]

My check valves were stuck closed.
Dead windshield washer nozzle culprit: Check valve (not the nozzle or T-fitting)

[darrin]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Are you sure there is enough water in the tank?

I fought with mine once and was about ready to rip the pump our and replace it. Then I realized the tank was empty. Homer Simpson DOH!

Great point -- on my carrera, the headlight washers stop working when the tank falls below a certain level (reserving the remainder for the windshield washers exclusively). See that the OP indicated the tank was "flushed and filled" with distilled water, but a partial fill could keep the water level below what must be the inlet for the windshield washer pump

[tirwin]

Following this thread with interest. Neither my headlight washers nor my windshield washers work. They are among the last of the Great List of Nagging Issues to be Resolved(TM).

[sugarwood]

^^ Check your check valves.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by universeman

Soak nozzles in vinegar overnight, rinse and try again?

Jas... You serious or pulling leg here?!?!

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Are you sure there is enough water in the tank?

I fought with mine once and was about ready to rip the pump our and replace it. Then I realized the tank was empty. Homer Simpson DOH!

I could have missed that and joined you in the DOHclub Glen... but not on this one! Tank is surly full.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

My check valves were stuck closed.
Dead windshield washer nozzle culprit: Check valve (not the nozzle or T-fitting)

Sugarwood... not sure if headlight washers have check valves. I looked at part link in the link above and the check looks like a T. The T on my headlight line is a plain T located behind bumper... no check on it (at least as I recall.) My headlight washers are also not working so that's next on menu.

[patz]

Me three on the check valves.

[sugarwood]

Look at the two "T's" in the dead center of the yellow.
Those are the 2 check valves. 91462843300 Both mine were clogged shut.

On the '86 you need to pull these down from under the cowl area.
There is a clip that tucks them away. They are near the nozzles.

The exact configuration is preserved in the photo.
The "F" connector goes into the bottom of the two "T's"

[rusnak]

Pull the hose at the washer pump to eliminate the check valves. If there is no pressure, then jumper the pump with 12v to see if it runs. If it runs but no pressure, then drop the tank and check that the pump inlet screen is not blocked with sludge/ algae.

[DeRRis]

If your pump passes a lot of water then there could be a couple of things to check. Is the pump still strong enough to work under pressure? Are the valves blocked (# 10 or #16). Are your jets to retrictive?

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Look at the two "T's" in the dead center of the yellow.
Those are the 2 check valves. 91462843300 Both mine were clogged shut.

On the '86 you need to pull these down from under the cowl area.
There is a clip that tucks them away. They are near the nozzles.

The exact configuration is preserved in the photo.
The "F" connector goes into the bottom of the two "T's"

Sug... your a washer system ahead of me with the windshield. That's a great reference shot---TY. Gona get to windshield after resolving headlight system.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Pull the hose at the washer pump to eliminate the check valves. If there is no pressure, then jumper the pump with 12v to see if it runs. If it runs but no pressure, then drop the tank and check that the pump inlet screen is not blocked with sludge/ algae.

Flushed the system out extensively before replacing parts Rus... so doubt blockage but when I get the bumper off and into this over the weekend, that's a good point to check. TY

[Nick Triesch]

Try this, do all the stuff you are supposed to do but drive the car! I could not get mine to work then I went for a ride after everything and they spray like you could not believe while driving. !!! Try it.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by DeRRis

If your pump passes a lot of water then there could be a couple of things to check. Is the pump still strong enough to work under pressure? Are the valves blocked (# 10 or #16). Are your jets to retrictive?

Nice reference Dennis. Looking at this I now recall the 90 degree pressure control valves #10, #16) positioned just before the nozzles. Must correct something I said at the outset... I blew into these valves and it was very hard but a small measure of air did go through. (Was not the nozzles I blew into---my bad.) Again, thought the point of those parts was to create pressure in system so I accepted the extreme back pressure being OK. Was possibly a mistake... We'll see.

Plan is to pull the bumper this weekend and check the valves, nozzles, then the pump for pressure and sludge, maybe get some vinegar into the program. Once this system is sorted, will catch up to Sugarwood.

[Discseven]

Just been advised by security that dismantling my car in my condo's garage can no longer be tolerated... "individuals are opposed to it." Building's association bylaws do say only emergency repairs are allowed in the garage. Having pushed the emergency envelope long enough, there's nothing good to come now from inciting my fellow condo-dwellers to riot. I'll find a space this week where Porsche-works won't offend others. There's much to be said for condo living. There are also sacrifices like this that are a hard pill to swallow. If you're planning to move out of a house and into a condo... prepare yourself for a new world strapped by a multitude of rules & regulations.

[wolds]

When I worked on mine I had to prime them with a 60cc syringe to get all the air out of them and then they worked. Now as preventive maintenance when I know I'm going to wash the car I run mine briefly to keep fresh solvent in the lines. Same with with the window washers