70 wiper washer

[Jeff A.]

The wipers wipe, but the washer (yeah its full) doesn't squirt. How do I troubleshoot the washer pump. Where are parts available for the internal seals etc. to rebuild it.

[Mark P.]

Re: 70 wiper washer

I think i have seen a washer pump rebuild kit in the Doc Rebuild online catalog at www.docrebuild.com. In the chevrolet chassis service manual is a long chapter about servicing the wiper motor and washer pump.

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 wiper washer

Jeff-----

The 1970 Corvette washer pump is different than most other years. It uses a "5 port pump". This pump and all of the SERVICE components for it are long-since discontinued from GM and, as far as I know, are NOT reproduced by anyone. So, if you need parts, then you have to look for NOS. These are "as scarce as hen's teeth" and, if you find them, will be expensive.

You may be able to rebuild the seals in the pump by using commonly available o-rings. However, if any of the plastic parts of the pump are deteriorated or broken, that will be a problem.

There are two, major things that you have to be concerned with as far as the w/w washer and headlamp washer system is concerned. First, of course, is the pump. This must be functional and actually pump fluid. Second, though, are the washer tubes for the windshield washer and the nozzles for the headlamp washer. These must be in good condition and free of obstruction and corrosion if fluid is to get from the pump to where it's intended to go. Very often, especially in long dormant washer systems, the tubes and nozzles are "plugged". In this case, no matter how good the pump is, you won't get fluid where it needs to be. As far as I know, the tubes and nozzles are not reproduced.

So, one faces many obstacles in getting a washer pump system operating and SPECIAL CHALLENGES apply to getting a 70-71 5 port pump windshield washer and headlamp washer system functional. The 1969 system uses a 3 port pump, which is more easily serviced, but there are other unique components of the system which make restoration of function difficult in many cases.

[Robert C.]

Re: 70 wiper washer/prime

Jeff, Try blowing water (with a mouthfull) through all of the hoses until it blows onto the windshield and headlamps. This will fill all the hoses full of water. Then be sure the big hose from the res. to pump is full (pinch and plug-in quick.) Have the car running and someone in the car while you do the filling and imediately when you finish filling have them hit the pump. May take a few times, but I bet it works!

[Jack H.]

Re: 70 wiper washer/prime

Adding on to Bob's post (this IS the way I prime washer pumps too), there's another few items to check.

(1) When washer is actuated do you hear 'clicking' from the pump assembly indicating the solenoid plunger is activated? If not, it's time to pull the Chassis Service Manual and go through the troubleshooting steps... Could be a faulty washer solenoid and/or upstream control electrical items.

(2) Washer consists of three components: (a) pump cylinder & plunger, (b) valve plate with inlet/outlet umbrella valves, and (c) inlet/outlet nozzle. If gaskets are properly compressed during assy, air leaks can defy attempts to prime the pump. How to test? Suck on a hose connected to the water inlet nipple of the nozzle and check that it holds pressure. If not, re-torque the four hex-head bolts that hold the 3-piece assy together. Be CAREFUL! If you over tighten, you can crack the Delron plastic....

Another tip here. The umbrella valves can become hard/brittle when left dry for long periods of time. Then, all the king's horses won't get 'er to pump. Sometimes this can be fixed by removing the pump's valve plate, spraying the rubber umbrella valves with a silicon lubricant (WD-40) and working the lube into the rubber with your fingertips.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 70 wiper washer/prime

I have removed the hose from the washer bottle and put it in a bottle above the pump this makes it eaiser to get it primed.

[Dave S.]

Re: 70 wiper washer/prime

I've found hand cream to be useful in "softening" the rubber parts of the washer assembly.

[Jim R.]

Re: 70 wiper washer

I took my late '69 W/W unit apart (on the car) and found that there was a bad electrical connection to a solendoid that operates a device that pulls a notched wheel that sprays pulses of water. It was a simple fix, but I didn't know where I was headed when I got started.

Check with Juliet (can't remember her last name) she runs the '70 Registry. She took her unit apart and photographed it in detail. She had some good info on it and I believe she even posted some of it here last year.

Good luck ... Jim #33086

[Juliet P.]

Re: 70 wiper washer

Thanks Jim - I have the photos of that on my personal homepage. One of these days I'll move them over to the Registry website. But for now you'll see the thumbnails towards the bottom - click on them for enlargements.

http://www.annapolis.net/members/julepage/70Stingray.htm

One more word of warning - don't try to turn the cog wheel and play with the pump off the car. There's a very strong spring and when it recoils without water in the system to slow it down a brittle one can crack the back of the piston and send parts flying across the garage. Learned that lesson the hard way. ~Juliet

PS - Be sure to check out the '70 Registry website and if you're not already a member, please consider submitting your vehicle specs for our statistical database.




1970 Corvette Registry