1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

[David S.]

Hi All,

Just had the wiper motor rebuilt and put a repro washer pump in the car too. The wipers work great on both speeds but the washer pump does not squirt to the windshield or headlights. I do not believe it is pumping water from the reservoir to the pump. Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks,
Dave

[Mike F.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

If you can hear the pump actually working, you may need to prime the pump to get it to siphon from the reservoir.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

Common air leaks are where the rubber hose meets the reservoir cap. Check those junctions first.

What you can do is get a mouth full of water, and blow water through the system from the filter end down in the reservoir. If you can get water to go through, you often will also find the leaks. I had to do this a week and a half ago to pass a PV, as the washer was the one "fix" that we were allowed.

[David S.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

Thanks Guys, I'll prime the pump and check for air leaks.

Any other common issues?

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

Another common failure is the seal around the piston that does the pumping. It gets soft and collapses allowing fluid to bypass not pumping out. I have "fixed" this by putting an o-ring under seal forcing seal against the wall of the cylinder. But, in this case, you have a new repro pump so we can assume that the seal is also new and good (ass-u-me), right? Just sayin'.
Jeff

[Edward J.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

Another common failure is the seal around the piston that does the pumping. It gets soft and collapses allowing fluid to bypass not pumping out. I have "fixed" this by putting an o-ring under seal forcing seal against the wall of the cylinder. But, in this case, you have a new repro pump so we can assume that the seal is also new and good (ass-u-me), right? Just sayin'.
Jeff

Hi Jeff, saw the o-ring trick you just posted, do you know the o-ring Dia./ size by chance? Thanks, Ed

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

Ed,
It has been a very long time since I did this and I don't have any idea what size I used. With the piston out, I just went to a good hardware store that has all the o-rings displayed and found the 1 that fit well and pushed the seal out. Sorry I can't be of more help.
Jeff

[Edward J.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

Thanks anyway Jeff, I am sure I can figure it out.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

Thanks Guys, I'll prime the pump and check for air leaks.

Any other common issues?

Dave,
To prime the system I like to suck on the line from the tank (like a straw) and once full hold your thumb over the end. Then quickly insert that end into the snout at the pump while removing your thumb. Make sure you don't have any washer fluid in the tank as the taste buds don't like it. I also like pure water as it is easier to clean up and doesn't leave spots on the paint.

[David S.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

Dave,
To prime the system I like to suck on the line from the tank (like a straw) and once full hold your thumb over the end. Then quickly insert that end into the snout at the pump while removing your thumb. Make sure you don't have any washer fluid in the tank as the taste buds don't like it. I also like pure water as it is easier to clean up and doesn't leave spots on the paint.

Thanks Dave. Will be interested to see if that does the trick. Will play with it over the weekend.

Best,
Dave

[David S.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

Hi all,

I primed the pump and still no luck. Could it be the switch itself? I don't hear the pump working.

Thanks,
Dave

[Christopher K.]

Re: 1970 Corvette Washer Pump not working

David,

No one has mentioned it yet, but there are two excellent articles in the winter issue of the "Restorer".

Did you get the "drive pin" from the motor in the cam on the washer when you put the pump on the motor? It's best to use a nail or aligning pin to hold the cam while you put the two together.