Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

[Greg L.]

I know when they are supposed to work but while restoring my wiper motor I was trying to figure out how the solenoid actualy changes the flow of fluid.

The plastic fluid outlet that goes through the solenoid has been broken for some time thanks to me so I never have had them working. From what I remember though it was a one piece tube that went through the center of this solenoid so for the life of me I can't figure out how this thing can divert water to the headlights.

I am ordering the 69 service manual so I could wait for it but it's kinda bugging me as to how this thing works.

Anyone care to educate me on this one?

Thanks

Greg

[John H.]

Re: Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

Greg -

The same (or a very similar) solenoid was used on the '69 Camaro Rally Sport (which had headlight washers as part of the package) and on a small number of non-RS cars that were ordered with RPO CE1 Headlamp Washers. Wish I had a box full, as they typically bring $800 - $1,000 each these days on eBay. A schematic of how it works is shown below. When the solenoid is not energized, fluid from the pump goes only to the windshield washers; when it's energized, the fluid path to the windshield washers is blocked and the one to the headlight washers is opened.

[Terry M.]

Re: Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

The 1969 (and some 1970) owner's manuals describe a method of making the headlamp washers work independent of the windshield washers. I have yet to see a 1969 system work that way. Every 1969 system I have seen in operation has fluid going to the headlamp washers at the same time it goes to the sindshield.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

Greg:
When the washer switch is held in a constant current is sent to the solenoid mounted on the side of the washer pump. This creates a magnetic force which holds a two ended needle against a seat (very similar in design to the needle and seat in your carb. except it is pointed on both ends). The fluid is then directed to the opposite tube supplying the headlamp nossles with fluid. When you push in the switch and release it the needle is held against the headlamp washer outlet by a spring sending the fluid to the widshield. It would be impossible for the fluid to go to both sides if the solinoid/coil is operating properly. The unit on my '69 works perfectly after I took it apart (they do come apart) and cleaned the gunk out. As long as there is continuity through the coil and there is no corrosion on the needle, the unit should work. Hope this helps.
Jeff

[Greg L.]

Re: Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

Thanks guys, that helps a lot and John, that pic is great. I see what my problem is now.

I remember breaking the hose connection off some 17 years ago when I was trying to remove the hose. I was pretty chocked at the time but saved the broken piece but I now have no idea where I "saved" it! At any rate I don't remember any needle or spring so either it was missing from new, someone else removed it or most likely, it fell out or is possibly still in the broken tube where ever it may be.

The solenoid is still good and I'm pretty handy with making little things like this so now that I know how it works and what should be in there to make it work I just might be able to fabricate something. I can't see myself spending close to a grand for one so this probably my best option.

[Greg L.]

Re: Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

Does anyone know where I could get just the plastic hose connection that clips to the plastic main body along with the needle and spring assy or is this the piece that usually breaks?

Just trying to take the easy way out!

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

Greg:
I forgot to mention in my earlier post that these are now being reproduced. I saw them at Bloomingtom from several vendors. They ran about $200 I think.
Jeff

[Chuck G.]

Re: Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

Does this help? Ran across this on EBAY. Didn't know it was being reproduced. Chuck

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-Camaro-RS-69-Corvette-Headlight-Washer-Coil-NEW_W0QQitemZ120001398034QQihZ002QQcategoryZ34207QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

Greg:
I just went to E-bay and found BelAir Bob selling the needle and spring for $30. He also is selling a reproduction headlamp washer (not the entire pump) for $300 and the solonoid alone for bids. I am sorry that I can't provide the address to take you directly to the auction because I am not that good with the computer. I searched using "Washer pump" and got 7 pages. Hope this helps.
Jeff

[Greg L.]

Re: Need a crash course on 69 headlight washers.

Chuck,Jeff,

Thanks, I just checked it out and I see he has what I need. $30 for the needle and spring is cheap considering how long it would take me to make one. I e-mailed him to see how much the tube piece that I broke will cost too.

I might just get lucky on this one!