Headlamp washer nozzles...

[Bill Dangora]

I have a number of questions concerning the headlamp washer nozzles on my 1969 that hopefully someone can answer for me.

1. How many different nozzles are there? I have 3 that appear to have minor but I'm sure significant differences.

The first type nozzle has the outlet hole drilled dead center with the inlet tube bent in the direction of the outlet.

The second type nozzle has the outlet hole drilled off center with the inlet tube bent in the direction of the outlet.

The third type nozzle has the outlet hole drilled off center with the inlet tube bent in the opposite direction of the outlet hole.

2. Where is the proper place to mount each type?

3. Are the backing washers and nuts zinc plated?

Thanks,
Bill

[Thomas C.]

Re: Headlamp washer nozzles...

Bill, I believe that the nozzles can be adjusted to point in any direction by inserting a pin into the outlet and moving as needed to aim at the headlight.

[Dennis D.]

Re: Headlamp washer nozzles...

I not sure of the orientation of the nozzle tube to squirter. There are however different "D" shaped hole locations on some of the bezels.(there's a thread on that). Maybe this would explain what you discribe.(upper to lower hole)

Once the nozzles "D" shaped thread is positioned into the "D" shaped bezel hole, I wouldn't think you could adjust to direct the spray. I'd be interested in hearing from more knowledgable people(Terry, Jack?) on the subject.

[Terry M.]

Re: Headlamp washer nozzles...

Dennis et al,

Yes there are different locations and orientation of the D shaped hole in the headlamp bezel. That could account for the different orientations of input tube to orifice location - upper and lower could also account for that. I am, however, unsure of the details of the orientation and for that reason have refrained from commenting earlier. Short of going out to the car (which will give only one data point) I don't have an answer and was watching this in the hope someone with more knowledge would speak up.
The fluid direction can be changed (within a limited range) by inserting a pin in the fluid opening and rotating the ball shaped part of the nozzle. Many/most original nozzles have long since become wedded permanently together, so this will not always be effective. Freeing original nozzle orifices is another topic entirely.

Terry

[Zachary K.]

Re: Headlamp washer nozzles...

I can give some advice on the adjustment end of this. Guys be careful using a common sowing pin. These have very little strength. And like Terry has mentioned some of these nozzles over the years have welded / frozen themselves in the outer housings making the little adjustment nozzle ball very hard to move. I have had some luck with soaking them in a penetrant fluid for a few days then trying to move them. What I use to move them is a titanium drill bit inserted into the opening and then slowly try to move the ball, be patient as it may not happen on the first couple of trys. If you use a sowing pin and it breaks, your in deep trouble as it will jam / lodge itself inside the ball, at which point you will have more than one problem.
I'm trying to recall, where I read about the different headlamp housings, as opposed to where the nozzles are mounted. If I remember and can come up with the information I will email all of you with the article. As for the nozzles themselves, I believe there is just one part number, and the adjustment / squirter ball is just adjusted to hit the headlamp. Possibly Joe Lucia can shed some light on the nozzle part number. Which is no longer available from GM so i've been told.

[Terry M.]

Re: Headlamp washer nozzles...

Some bezels have the upper D shaped opening on the top surface, others have it in the middle between the lamps.
I may have to eat my words (shooting from the hip again, drat it I'll never learn) about the different configurations. The 1969 AIM, which is the only applicable one I have in the warm house, shows both nozzles have the same part number 3957029.

[Bill Dangora]

Re: Headlamp washer nozzles...

On closer examination of the nozzles that I have it appears as though one of them (the one with the inlet bent in the opposite direction of the others) may be some kind of a reproduction. The area at the inlet is different than the others (the inner tubing is inset more). It is pretty close in all other physical aspects.
i have learned quite a bit from the responses to this post.
Thanks,
Bill