Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

[Paul C.]

1971 with a 5 port valve assembly. The wipers work on both speeds, the hoses are not plugged. All the vacuum hoses we replaced and work perfectly. Any suggestions on what to do or where to start/ Thanks

[Stuart F.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

Are you sure the valve assembly is ok? My experience, specially when everything else checks out ok, it was always the valve assembly. It only takes one of those little rubber valves to hang up to put you out of business. You are, I presume, now in a warm ambient condition.

Stu Fox

[Paul C.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

They look ok but they are probably the original ones--37 years old--so I will just go ahead and order new ones. Thanks
Paul

[Paul C.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

Where do you get a 5 port rebuilt kit--all I see is 3 port.

[Robert C.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

I used parts out of the 3 port repair kit to fix my 5 port pump. I did a pictoral for the Restorer several years ago about how. Can't remember which issue.

[Pat M.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

Hi Paul - while there are many problems these washer pumps can suffer from, I've found the critical problem is usually that the main plunger seal dries out and shrinks, and then fails to pull/push fluid. Some people have replaced this seal with O-rings successfully, but I've found that if you use a new seal from a new 3-port pump, still available from GM for about $65, it can make a world of difference. You can also replace some of the other metal parts and rubber valve seals using the 3-port assembly as well, making the expense worthwhile.
To replace the plunger seal you'll have to pry open the plunger heads with a small screwdriver.
Good Luck

[Jeremy D.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

....and if all else fails, somebody is repro'ing the 5 port pumps now....somebody told me "Melrose T-top" in Cortland, Ill. has them. They look decent from the outside, have no idea if they work worth a darn or not....

[Michael B.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

You might have a crack in the barrel. Check near the valve assembly cap screws. That is the problem with mine. The crack closes and is almost invisable with the screws out but is obvious once the screws are installed.

[Tim E.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

Another thing to try before taking things apart is to prime (fill with water) the hose from the reservoir to the washer pump. I needed to do that even AFTER rebuilding pump.

[Terry M.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

Any hole in the supply tube, from the washer fluid container to the pump, will also cause a lack of performance. The pump will draw air a lot easier than it will draw the liquid, so be sure you don't have a leak in the supply circuit -- including the pump check valve.

[Paul C.]

Re: Wiper washer pump Question--They don't squirt

Turns out there were cracks in the pump plunger and the valve assembly. These can not be rebuilt and must be replaced. Sent it to the wiperman to be rebuilt and the shipper broke the ports (5 port) during shipping--now those will also need to be replaced. Good thing I insured it. He will also put on an authentic sticker on the wiper motor after it is rebuilt--which includes replating th nappropriate parts.