Question On The C2(66) Windshield Washer System

[Larry E.]

Getting my 66 Base Engine Coupe ready for judging this Spring. Before I stored it(Omni Bag) for the
Winter I tested the "Operations" of the car. One thing I came across was that the Windshield Washer
System did not "pull" the fluid out of the reservoir. The wipers did work so I assume the control is OK.
Bare in mind this is a 50 yr. old car and I do not know when washer system was used last.

Question: Let's assume all the mechanics of the system are OK. Now>IS THERE SOME PROCEDURE
FOR "PRIMING" THE SYSTEM TO START THE PROCESS WORKING INITIALLY??

I seem to recall when we restored my other 66 (Convertible) we did something to get it started to pull
the liquid for the 1st time; once done it worked all the time. Do not remember what we did as this was a long time ago. Comments Please>> and thanks>>Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: Question On The C2(66) Windshield Washer System

Typically it's the below inside the unit close to the three hoses. It either is dry or cracked. Four things to try:
1) blow water through the tube coming from the tank, if that does not work,
2) remove the below and put a lubricant on it to help it seal & lubricate the three rubber check valves, if that does not work,
3) replace the below, go back to step 1, if that does not work,
4) replace the unit the plastic part that has the three check valves, check for cracks in the plastic.

[Leif A.]

Re: Question On The C2(66) Windshield Washer System

Harry is spot on with his response. Just remember that the washer fluid will evaporate pretty quickly and if you're not using the system frequently the hoses will dry out and you will have to "prime" them again.

[Larry E.]

Re: Question On The C2(66) Windshield Washer System

Thanks to Harry and Leif for the advice. Question For Harry>
Your advice was to use "Lubricant"; what kind would you suggest? eg.>White grease/Vaseline/Engine Oil/ OR ???

Thanks Again>Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: Question On The C2(66) Windshield Washer System

Thanks to Harry and Leif for the advice. Question For Harry>
Your advice was to use "Lubricant"; what kind would you suggest? eg.>White grease/Vaseline/Engine Oil/ OR ???

Thanks Again>Larry

Never use anything that will harden (white grease). I've seen hand cream work. I use Danco Waterproof Grease on my water softener O-Rings (rubber) so I used a thin application on the below and a thin application on the check valves. On the check valves all you need is the side that makes the seal. Remember this is old check valve rubber and they are delicate, be gentle.