C3 Washer Pump Inoperative

[Tony Roussos]

Greetings. I'm working on a 1971 coupe washer pump problem. I replaced the wiper switch which took care of intermittant wiper function. It seems a previous owner added an aftermarket pump I presume due to a fault with the pump attached to the wiper motor. Any suggestions? Is a replacement stock pump available? Thank you. Tony.

[David H.]

Auto Zone

I got a replacement washer pump for my 1980 from Auto Zone. It was little different in appearance than the stock pump. But then again, my car is just a driver and will never be judged.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Washer Pump Inoperative

Tony-----

Most 1971 Corvettes, with the POSSIBLE exception of some very late production units, were equipped with a 5 port washer pump. This pump and all SERVICE components of it have been discontinued by GM for years and there are no replacement units or parts otherwise available. Good used pumps sell for up to $500 and NOS examples may bring $750-1000. This is NOT a washerpump that you want to need.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Washer Pump Inoperative

My June car has a 3 port pump, and according to the TIM&JG (the judging manual), the 5 port pump was used "at least" through serial number 12605.

If it were my car, I think I'd find a used 3 port pump and install it. If you lose a point or two in judging so be it. The vast majority of 71s did not have headlamp washer nozzles anyway, so only 3 ports would be used.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Washer Pump Inoperative

Patrick and Tony-----

If the car has a 3 port pump (or if you elect to convert it from a 5 port to a 3 port), then a replacement pump is available from GM and Delco. The part number is GM #12494836. It GM lists for about 75 bucks, but can be purchased for less through Delco dealers. This pump is not configured exactly like the originals. For one thing, the piston and valve assembly is black plastic rather than the off-white used for originals. However, it's 100% functional and will fit perfectly.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: C3 Washer Pump Inoperative

If the replacement pump is the wrong color plastic and you have a non-working donor available, one can rebuild the old one with the guts from the new one. The disassembly becomes intuitive it you start taking it apart. My friend and I rebuilt two washer pumps from salvage yard donors to make a usable pump for his 73.
Gary

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 Washer Pump Inoperative

My April build '71 had 3-port pump as well which dovetails with NCRS judging guide (VIN 15882).

The problem I've seen on WSW replacement pump assys, is they're NOT configured for Corvette use. Original pumps had 'barrel' recepticals to hook up to the wiring harness and the harness connectors installed sideways vs. pass car pumps that used slip-on connectors at right angle to the pump.

Then, in Corvette applications, the snap-on plastic cover for the pump had a L-shaped overhang to insulate the electrical terminals from touching/shorting to the distributor shielding not used on passenger cars.

Is the GM replacement pump you call out configured properly for Corvette application (side mount barrel recepticals and plastic cover with electrical terminal overhang insulation?

[Warren F.]

Re: C3 Washer Pump Inoperative

My '71 coupe is also a 3 port washer pump(original off white housing) vin # 15065, April built car as well.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Washer Pump Inoperative

Jack-----

I've not inspected one of these pumps. However, I'm fairly sure that it will be a "consolidated" part. For functionality, though, the special Corvette features are not essential. Plus, the valve cover assembly can be easily converted, if desired, to the Corvette nipple configuration using a valve kit available in most auto parts stores.

[Jack H.]

Thanks, Joe....

I myself haven't seen what you get from GM when you order a replacement WSW pump.... You're right in asserting the electrical terminals from pass car CAN be used on Corvette if you 'chop' the wiring harness and install insulated push-on spade lug connnectors.

Also, as mentioned above, it's possible to do 'surgery' on a pass car pump and unstake + move over your Corvette original relay and the plastic cover with its unique L-shaped electrical connector insulating overhang. But, that's only true IF you happen to have a correct original Corvette WSW pump to start with (has Bubba been there before you?).

Most lack the factory original part to start with because Bubba (sometimes called Mr. Goodwrench) HAS been there! On pump cylinder and nozzle assy, yep the 3-port pump is rather easy to 'fix' if you go dig up an equivalent pass car pump from the era out of the scrap yards and move the pump/nozzle assy over. What's available in spare part form is either black plastic or SNOW white nylon vs. the original off-white delron. So, it's a matter of what the end game is with a washer pump project (make it function, or make it function and maximize concours judging points).

In fact, if you're clever at the scrap yards, you'll discover some GM vehicles of the era placed their WSW pumps in a 'protected' location (NOT in the engine compartment) and the pump cylinder and nozzle assy's on these can look as factory fresh as that rare NOS spare parts find from Anco/Trico.... But, it takes some 'Yardology 101' to know where to look for those rather pristine factory original pump parts.