1969 Windshield/Headlight washer operation

[Greg L.]

Hey guys I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that it's been so long since I've used my corvette that I forget how the washers system is supposed to work.

I'm just at this point in my restoration now and function testing so I have a few questions if I may.

To engage the washer pump I push the switch in, it slides to the right and the motor turns on at low speed. Should I get four initial shots of washer fluid and then expect the flow to stop? Then every time I temporarily push the switch in with the motor operating, four more shots each time the switch is pushed in?

With the wiper motor operating and the washer pump/plunger NOT operating I can hear a slight clicking noise every 90 degrees and was wondering if this is normal. This noise is more pronounced when the washer is operating so I'm just not sure if all I should hear is the motor operating at this time or if this slight clicking every quarter turn is normal with the washer off.

Thanks, Greg

[Greg L.]

Re: 1969 Windshield/Headlight washer operation

Well it's taken me a while to get back out to the garage but I managed to today. I took the cover off and everything seems to work normal and I am actually getting way more than four shots of fluid and it does shut off when it has completed it's wash cycle so that function seems to be working as it should.
However with the wiper motor operating and the washer pump/plunger NOT operating I can still hear a slight clicking noise every 90 degrees and was wondering if this is normal? I removed the three screws to take off the washer pump assembly to look for obvious issues and can't see what is causing this noise. I even removed the plunger and it still makes this noise. Only when I hold back the sliding pivot pin does the noise go away. It's almost like the round lug that follows the four pointed cam on the back side isn't properly following the cam and this is what is causing my noise. Has anyone come across this or is this noise normal???

[Gary B.]

Re: 1969 Windshield/Headlight washer operation

On the back side of the washer pump, is the lever (with the round lug) that follows cam. This lever, over time, freezes up and gets hard to pivot and tends not to travel its full distance, not returning to home position. Lubricate it's pivot at the top real good with some Automatic Transmission Fluid. ATF is a very thin fluid and creeps into joints quickly. Operate the arm several minutes and it will free up and operate full distance and return to home position. All will be quite in the world.
Gary B

[Greg L.]

Re: 1969 Windshield/Headlight washer operation

Well that seemed to do the trick! I was a bit sceptical because I thought I had it lubed well enough and it seemed to move freely but the ATF just gave a little more freedom so thanks for that tip Gary.
Cheers, Greg

[Gary B.]

Re: 1969 Windshield/Headlight washer operation

Your welcome.

I have a small clear plastic squeeze bottle (Harbor Freight three pack) with a small tip on it, sitting on my bench, filled with synthetic ATF. It's just incredible how well it soaks in and frees things up. I use it every day. Yesterday, it unfroze two Nash Metropolitan fuel sending units.

Gary B