How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

[Michael J.]

I had my washer pump rebuilt, and it worked great and stayed primed for several months, but now it is not working if I leave it sitting for an hour or more without priming it again. I have cleaned the filter screen in the tank, replaced fluid, etc., but it still need to be primed if it sits very long. Is there something I am missing? Thanks.

[Stephen G.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

Michael

We need more info. What car?

Steve

[Michael J.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

Oops, sorry, a '64 L76 convertible.

[Edward J.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

Mike, Check that the hose connections around the filler cap are good and tight inside and on outside. my 63 is much the same way. It maybe the pump is need of rebuilding.

[Michael J.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

Thanks, I will snip off the 1/2" end of the hose that fits on the cap outlet, it is oversized from being old, get a new, tighter fit and see if that helps. The pump was rebuilt 3 months ago.

[Edward J.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

That's what I did, they tend to do this once there removed and re-installed of both ends of the cap

[Patrick H.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

I used a tiny bit of black weatherstrip cement at the hose junctions, and it worked extremely well. No cutting or clipping needed.

[Michael J.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

Thanks Patrick, I will try that as well.

[Terry M.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

ANY air leak in the inlet hose(s) to the pump will allow the liquid to drain back into the reservoir. ALL pump inlet connections MUST be sealed tight or the pump will lose its prime. To paraphrase the Drill Instructor as he read us the Uniform Code of Military Justice "ANY leak no matter how slight ....." Those of you who served will know what word replaced "leak" in that partial sentence, and know what followed those words.

[Michael J.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

Thanks Terry, yes, I remember stuff like that on the Enterprise too. And I am also reminded of my favorite movie, where Gen. Jack D. Ripper said this: Ripper: It just came in on the Red Phone. My orders are for this base to be sealed tight, and that's what I mean to do, seal it tight.

So my mission will be to seal it tight, no matter what it takes…...

[Pat M.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

Another thing to check is the little round rubber "umbrella" valves in the pump head. If they are not flexible enough to seal like they should water can siphon back that way, too.

[Michael J.]

[Pat M.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

That will do it too, the top parts of the pump head must come together airtight to pump and hold prime. One way to test this is to put soapy water around these parts on an assembled pump and blow into the large draw nipple while closing off the small nipples. To test the umbrella valves, put a little water on each side of the part that houses them and it should not drip.

You can still get these rubber parts in repair kits if you need them. I don't see them as much in FLAPS but they're still readily available online. Good luck.

[Michael J.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

Thanks and wanted to let you know I installed the LIC external washer repair kit, as the check valve on the inlet of my original rebuilt was the problem leaking off prime. It now works like new, and the resistance to priming it by mouth is a world of difference from the old leaking one. Now I can sleep at night and feel more confident about my PV in ten days.

[Pat M.]

Re: How to keep the windshield washer working without priming it constantly?

Great news, congrats and good luck on your PV!