Windscreen Washers

[nigel cross]

An issue with the washers, push the lever once nothing happens,
let go and do it again always works second time.
Had a look at the fluid bottle , emptied it out, couldn't see any crud in it.
So is it the pump on the way out or the washer switch?

 

[whitenemesis]

Perhaps depends on how long you hold it in for?

I know on mine if I just give it a quick push, nothing. Hold it for a 2-3 seconds and its fine

 

[nigel cross]

Holding it for at least 2-3 secs and no go first time, OK on second push

 

[whitenemesis]

Could be the non-return valve allowing fluid to drain back into the bottle?

 

[Diesel Benz]

Could be the non-return valve allowing fluid to drain back into the bottle?

I'm expecting this being a bit of an issue on my W221. I've asked about it at the US forums with no useful replies.

I have not spent the time to check the pump, a bit difficult to take the reservoir out when the reservoir heating system is supposed to be removed first.

From EPC I did not find a non-return valve, should it be part of the pump?

I could put an additional valve but I have only found too small units for the pipes the car has (but I have not spent any significant effort finding parts).

If I have not used the washer for some time, the wipers make one pass before the washer starts to spray water, not ideal for the glass.

 

[nigel cross]

I have taken the pump out and cleaned out the tank
I cannot see a valve unless it is built in the pump, or fitted somewhere on route to the washer jets.

 

[andysej]

I think the NRV is integral with the nozzle?

Andy

 

[nigel cross]

I think the NRV is integral with the nozzle?

Andy

Do you mean the jets wre the water comes out?

 

[andysej]

Yes, I think each jet has an integral NRV.

 

[Dec]

Could be the non-return valve allowing fluid to drain back into the bottle?

Something like this has to have an NRV otherwise gravity will allow the water to return to he tank causing the delay, until the water is pumped back up to the nozzle.

Probably what is happening is that the NRV is not sealing properly due to a build up of tiny particles of dirt/grit and over time the water seeps back to the tank.

A possible solution could be to fill the tank with warm water and add a cup of white vinegar, mix and give a couple of sprays of the jets to get the solution into the tubes, then leave to stand for an hour. After an hour return to the car and pump all the water out of the tank through the nozzles so as to give the system a good flush.

Hose off the car afterwards to get rid of the vinegar just in case it strips the paint off the car.

Dec

 

[nigel cross]

I might try taking the nozzles of the car and soaking them in cirit bling or some other anti limescale cleaner?