Windshield washers

[William P.]

My 62's windshield washers don't work. The system appears to be complete and connected. I am hoping someone can help me with the vacuum hose routing for the system. I also would like a discription of how the system works. i.e. The owners manual states by pushing the button on the switch the washers will squirt and then the wipers will start, I haven't taken the switch apart but am wondering how this works? What does the vacuum hose to the switch do? etc.
Thanks in advance
Bill

[Joe Maulsby]

Re: Windshield washers (C1)

Here is the way it works for 1960, very much summarized. Before you push the center button on the wiper switch, the vacuum hose is pinched shut at the back of the switch. When you push the button in the center of the wiper switch, it opens the vacuum hose up and completes the "circuit" so the pump receives a small amount of vacuum( a few psi) from the vacuum cannister. The air goes through the pump valve, pulls up a spring loaded plunger/diaphragm that creates a vacuum in a small cylindrical chamber. The vacuum created by the upward movement of the rubber diaphragm pulls water up out of the reservoir through the exit hose and to the nozzles onto the windshield. Pushing the button also turns on the windshield wiper motor.

If you choose to take the vacuum pump valve apart, be very careful and catalog each piece since there are many rubber pieces, springs, valves, springs, etc. I took mine apart, cataloged every piece, put it back together the same way ( I think) and it still doesn't work. There are a couple of shops that will take the entire system and make it work, but it is very expensive. One of them advertises in the Driveline. Good Luck.

[Dennis C.]

Joe:

My sincere awe and respect for even attempting to answer this question. The guy that designed this 58 - 62 WW system should be in court along side Sadaam for sins againsts his Bro's...

[lee boyer]

Re: Windshield washers (C1)

before you take it apart you might try yo find a repair kit, if you don"t you are wasting your time. there are some strange seals that can"t be bought over the counter. its true some people can rebuild them but won"t sell the parts, a rebuild cost from 150-225 plus parts. (if a kit can be bought i would like to know) i have a few to rebuild.