Windshield Washers - aftermarket replacement alternatives?

[JGriff]

I took my 1973 914 2.0 in for an inspection sticker here in MA (only safety check... no emissions inspection), and to my surprise, the windshield washer jets have to work!!


This never used to be an item that was checked, but I guess with the new regulations, it is now.

Anyway, I did not have it hooked up at the time, and had not tested it, so they let me take the car back home to hook it up, without their giving me a rejection sticker.

Unfortunately, I hooked it all up at home, and right after I hooked it up, I hear a hissing sound. Yep, there was water coming from underneath the dash. I took that apart, and saw that the hose was worn/split. I cut off the bad part, and then it sprung a leak elsewhere on the hose a couple of inches away.

Needless to say, I was a bit bummed and frustrated. This is what is keeping me from an inspection sticker? I do not plan on driving the car in any conditions that require washer fluid. ARGHH!! Sorry... I am digressing...

My question is: I am thinking of just finding an aftermarket reservoir and pump etc., and wire up an electric system instead of the OEM system. Has anyone done this, and if so, where did you buy the system, and roughly how much did it cost? Any tips and tricks would also be appreciated.

Or... should I just try to fix the OEM system instead? The "switch" (for lack of a better term) where the two hoses hook up under the dash is tough to get at... at least from the perspective of putting the top hose on (which of course, was the bad one on mine), and with it being plastic, it sure seems brittle. I dread the idea of snapping it.

Should I try getting at it via the steering column, by taking the steering wheel etc off? Is that possible? I haven't checked the Haynes yet... sorry.

Any thoughts and assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Jim




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Jim Griffin
JGriff@JGriff.com
www.JGriff.com

My Porsche 914

[Pritchard]

I think many of us have converted to an electrical washer system. All you need is a universal washer pump (about $10) and a momentary switch. You might want to replace the washer hoses at the same time. I found that adding a vent hole in the washer bottle cap allowed my setup to operate a little better. Should only take an hour or so to install. Good luck.

Pritchard

[JGriff]

Originally posted by Pritchard:
I think many of us have converted to an electrical washer system. All you need is a universal washer pump (about $10) and a momentary switch. You might want to replace the washer hoses at the same time. I found that adding a vent hole in the washer bottle cap allowed my setup to operate a little better. Should only take an hour or so to install. Good luck.

Pritchard

Thanks for the reply. Did you have to buy a new reservoir bottle as well? Or did the universal washer pump mount outside of the OEM bottle, in-line?

Thanks.

Jim


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Jim Griffin
JGriff@JGriff.com
www.JGriff.com

My Porsche 914

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

My old 1.8 had an electric pump in-line, and the stock bottle.

Seemed like an easy install. Must have been, because the idiot PO of my car actually did it right...

--DD

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Pelican Parts 914 Tech Support

A few pics of my car: http://www.pelicanparts.com/gallery/Dave_Darling

[JGriff]

Originally posted by Dave_Darling:
My old 1.8 had an electric pump in-line, and the stock bottle.

Seemed like an easy install. Must have been, because the idiot PO of my car actually did it right...

--DD

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out my options at the local Pep Boys or equivalent, and see what I can find.

Any suggestions on what would be the best source to hook up the power lead i.e. 12V switchable source? Straight from one of the fuses perhaps? Or is there something under the front hood/trunk that I can tap into?

Thanks.

Jim



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Jim Griffin
JGriff@JGriff.com
www.JGriff.com

My Porsche 914

[Pritchard]

I can't remember which fuse I tapped into. I think that it was the radio fuse. Any that is switched on by the iginition should work. I grounded the pump to a nearby screw in the trunk area. Like D.D., the stock bottle worked fine.

Pritchard

[efeinsmith]

You can even retain the wiper level to activate the new electric pump. After removing the switch assembly, you replace the mechanical flow switch (the one with the hoses on it) with a microswitch. It will take some drilling and machining of the mount bracket, but it can be done.

[BKOMAR]

I'm kinda surprised that noone has mentioned this:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/914_electric_washer/914_electric_washer.htm

This tech article really sounds like a good idea and uses OEM parts from a 924. Plus you dont have to cut into anything or drill holes to mount switches...its all there in the 924 switch. Clean and simple. Brian

[David McLaughlin]

Jim,
I would also try another station (if you still don't have your sticker). The station I took mine to in Burlington checked my head lights, tail lights, brake lights, and signals; that's it. In and out in 10 minutes with most of the time spent trying to enter in a short VIN into the computer and guessing the vehicle weight.

Good luck


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Dave
1970 914/6
1995 Golf GTI-VR6
1996 Passat TDI
<a href="http://www.cheaterswayside.com/911/gallery.asp?sort=1&userid=113">my gallery</a>

[JGriff]

Originally posted by David McLaughlin:
Jim,
I would also try another station (if you still don't have your sticker). The station I took mine to in Burlington checked my head lights, tail lights, brake lights, and signals; that's it. In and out in 10 minutes with most of the time spent trying to enter in a short VIN into the computer and guessing the vehicle weight.

Good luck

I was thinking of that... and might try doing so, just so that I can drive the car around without running the risk of a $50 fine for no sticker. I can then always work on the washer fluid problem when I get the time.

Of course, I also run the chance that it'll get rejected wherever else I bring it. I guess I'll have to do it on a day that I feel especially lucky!!

Thanks.

Jim




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Jim Griffin
JGriff@JGriff.com
www.JGriff.com

My Porsche 914

[Roland Kunz]

Hello

The 914/6 came stock with a electric pump.

VW offered a electric pump from 72 on. In 74 the intermitting whiper and whipe wash pump avtion was aviable.

The relay was siting on the left cowl support and the pump on the 914/6 location. Also using a 914/6 plastic bootle and VDO pump. You will find the wire shematics in the workshop manuall. Mostly in conjnction with the norwegian version ( As they must had it togehter with the driving light washers )

The stalks are also used in all pre 78 VW and the valve can get single for small money.

Venting the pressurized washer bootle is done by removing the valve.
On pre 72 /4 you remove thw valve and put a micrositch for the pump action on.

Grüsse