Where to buy a washer pump solenoid?

[Ronald M.]

I've searched the archives for a source to obtain a replacement solenoid for my windshield washer pump, with no luck. Also, it seems most of the advertisers for washer pump 'restoration services' quote prices based solely on the cosmetics and rubber bits. So I'm looking for advice from group again.

Background: My wipers work fine, both speeds, and park correctly. The dash switches (both the wiper switch and push button) function. The wiring to the wiper and pump checked out as well.
So I removed the whole wiper assembly (oh, good times - the archives were very helpful up to this point) and bench tested it. I was able to manually engage the pump, then run the wipers, and it worked as well (including automatically disengaging after several cycles).
So I measured the voltage at the connector (duh), internal wiring, and solenoid - all good.
Then I measured the coil resistance with a Fluke DVM and it measured infinite (open). I tried cleaning up and soldering the connections (from the internal wiring to the magnet wire of the solenoid coil), but to no avail.
So I've concluded (correctly?) that I need to replace the solenoid.
thanks in advance,

[Jack H.]

Re: Where to buy a washer pump solenoid?

I'd expect you could visit a scrap yard, get a washer pump off of a GM passenger car from the era and 'transplant' the solenoid if yours it burned up. The 'tricks' will lie in moving the donor solenoid onto to your pump (staked in place to the washer housing) and making SURE you've got the order + orientation of the washer solenoid attaching parts (ratchet, spring) right when you execute the transplant...

[Joe R.]

Re: Where to buy a washer pump solenoid?

Ron,

Piece of cake. Like Jack said, find a 60' Chevy and remove the pump leaving the motor in the old junker. After removing the three screws there is a clip holding the solenoid to the pump body. Slip it off and the solenoid will fall out in your hand. When replacing the solenoid there is a small wire spring that holds the arm of the solenoid back when the pump is activated. This spring must be placed against the arm. Slide the clip back on and replace the cover.

Nothing to it!

JR

[Ronald M.]

Re: Where to buy a washer pump solenoid?

Thank you guys, I'll give that a shot.