C1 Washer Co-ordinator

[Patrick S.]

Is is safe to assume that if you cannot pull 15" of vacuum on a washer co-ordinator that it is bad? Mine moves only slightly and will not hold a vacuum. Can the co-ordinator be rebuilt or do I have to send it off for a rebuild?

[Joe M.]

Re: C1 Washer Co-ordinator

I have never heard of anyone rebuilding their own Co-Ordinator. Not sure where you would get the diaphragm or take it apart. Tom Maxwell rebuilds Co-Ordinators by replacing the deteriorated rubber diaphragm. His phone number is 301-948-9481. Make sure none of your hoses have holes or the vacuum canister valve is not leaking off vacuum. The switch at the dash must also work properly. Let me know if you want to know how to test it to see if it functions properly.

[Patrick S.]

Re: C1 Washer Co-ordinator

I use the vacuum brake bleeder pump to test individual pieces like the button (will hold vacuum until pushed) and the vacuum canister (will hold 15" all day long). But the control valve on the wiper motor will not hold any vacuum and the operation wire only moves slightly as I pump vacuum to the tube. I don't have the cannister valve assembly yet (bought used and it is coming) so we will see. Might be time for a pro to do his thing.

[William C.]

Re: C1 Washer Co-ordinator

Tom is very experienced with these cranky old systems.

[Nicholas L.]

Re: C1 Washer Co-ordinator

Joe would you post how to test. I have trouble with my co-ordinator as well. Thanks.

[Willard M.]

Re: C1 Washer Co-ordinator

I too would like to know more about testing. I don't think I've ever had a solid axle where these operated reliably.

[Patrick S.]

Re: C1 Washer Co-ordinator

I use the vacuum pump from my brake bleed kit.
Washer Testing.jpg

[Joe M.]

Re: C1 Washer Co-ordinator

Here is the test to determine if the dash switch works. Remove the hose from the nipple and replace it with a piece long enough that you can put it in your mouth and pull a vacuum (notice I didn't say suck on it). push the button and you should be able to draw air through the hose. Remove your finger from the button and you should not be able to pull through the hose at all.

Co-Ordinator test - pull the hose off the nipple and install the short piece used to test the dash switch. Put hose in your mouth and create a vacuum; 15# is not much. If the diaphragm inside is still good, you will be able to move the switch that would turn on the wiper motor. If it was like mine, when you suck on it, you just draw air through the Co-Ordinator and the switch does not move.

My pump rebuild has proven to be problematic for Tom Maxwell. He has taken it apart 4 times rebuilt it and does not function properly, but he assured me that he would deliver a working pump one way or the other. I rebuilt it myself several years ago and it squirted 2 times and not another drop. Now I see that it had/has a problem bigger than I could deal with.

[Patrick S.]

Re: C1 Washer Co-ordinator

Using the brake bleed tool is more to my liking. I guess I have too many bad memories about gasoline syphoning.