'70 Windshield Wiper Washer

[Keith W.]

The windshield wiper washer system has not been used in a long time. I am suspecting maybe 20 years. Currently, it is not working and maybe due to its inactivity. I took apart the washer pump and found some rather peculiar debris in it. Please see picture.
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The pump seems to work as I certainly hear what sounds like a pumping action but then as I am holding the washer button in their is a louder clunk sound and that repeats itself every 5 seconds or so. Here are some additional pics of the pump disassembled. I checked the hoses and all are intact. I can suck fluid out of the reservoir with a mighty-vac. Additionally, I have squeezed pressure through the steel line attached to the wiper where the washer fluid exits. Any suggestions?
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[Mark E.]

Re: '70 Windshield Wiper Washer

I've never done this but you might try rebuilding the pump using a washer pump repair kit. Dorman is one brand. For $20 might be worth a try if the housing is original and that's important to you. Otherwise get a new pump.

Be sure to check for debris in the entire system.

EDIT: These cars use a 5 port pump. Make sure the repair kits available will work with those (may not).

[Donn M.]

Re: '70 Windshield Wiper Washer

After relacing my headlight washer nozzles, I had exactly the same problem. Could hear pump run with the louder clunk sound every few seconds.
While supply hose is attached to the pump, unhook the hose from the water reservoir. With a small funnel fill the hose with water while holding it above the height of the pump. With helper, once full and while keeping the hose higher than the pump, place it in a container of water. Start motor and turn on wipers. Once primed re attach hose to reservoir.
Make sure the system is clean and you have the screen on the water pick up tube.
Hope this works for you.
Donn

[Floyd B.]

Re: '70 Windshield Wiper Washer

The plastic piston has a rubber seal - same material as the other seals. Make sure your kit includes this seal. Replacing this seal requires removal of the pump and disassembly. As I recall there are lots of springs, cams and other doodads to deal with so be careful, take pictures before you start and at each stage of disassembly so you can get it back together.

To see if the seal is worn, I forced petroleum jelly down the sides of the piston and put it back together. The pump worked 2 or 3 times before the jelly lost its effectiveness.

[Keith W.]

[Keith W.]

[Donn M.]

Re: '70 Windshield Wiper Washer

Glad that worked for you. When my buddy first told me to do that, I thought he was putting me on. A quick, no cost fix.
The washer pickup screens are available from most corvette parts suppliers.
Never heard of a label for reservoir, not mentioned in judging guide, had my car judged several times and not mentioned. Must have meant the washer pump which label also is easily available.

[Terry M.]

Re: '70 Windshield Wiper Washer

No label on my 1970 reservoir, and never was. I don't recall a label on any 1968-72, however there is lettering cast into the containers -- not visible during judging -- but I wouldn't call that a label. Now Keith, let us know what the TIM&JG says.

[Keith W.]

Re: '70 Windshield Wiper Washer

Glad that worked for you. When my buddy first told me to do that, I thought he was putting me on. A quick, no cost fix.
The washer pickup screens are available from most corvette parts suppliers.
Never heard of a label for reservoir, not mentioned in judging guide, had my car judged several times and not mentioned. Must have meant the washer pump which label also is easily available.

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