Tery Brim (39588)

[Terry B.]

5-Port washer pump question. The 5-port washer pump on my 1970 needs priming every time I go to use it. After priming, it works fine however, if I leave it set for a few days, the pump needs priming again before it works. Is there suppose to be a one way value in the line running from the washer bag to the pump input to keep the washer fluid from draining away from the pump back into the washer bag?

[Jack H.]

Re: Tery Brim (39588)

That's a rather rare item (5-port washer pump) and replacement parts are not available. If you ever take one apart, you'll find there are rubber umbrella valves in the pump's valve plate that supply the one-way fluid flow.

Also, there's a 5-ring grommet assy surrounding the valves. Together, the umbrella valves and the surrounding grommet assy are what seal the pump preventing leak(s).

The primary 'death' factors to these pumps are: (1) allowing them to run dry exposing the umbrella valves and sealing grommet assy to air causing the rubber to become brittle, and (2) over-tightening the four screws holding the upper plastic pieces (nozzle assy, valve assy) onto the pump piston assy.

When over-tightened, the five 0-ring assy takes a set becoming 'flat' and no longer seals properly. Absent a fresh replacement O-ring assy (HARD to find), about the best you can do is take the nozzle and valve plate components apart, remove the original five section O-ring assy and find discrete O-rings of the correct size to replace the original rubber that's deformed and no longer sealing properly....

[Pat M.]

Re: Tery Brim (39588)

Terry - hold the umbrella valve assembly horizontal, pour water on each side, and see if the valves allow water to drip out. If so, the valves are probably at least part of the problem.
You can get replacement umbrella valves from three-port repair kits. They're sold at many places, including O'Reilly's. You can GENTLY pull out the valves and pull the new ones into place.
As Jack said, the 5 O ring gasket can cause leaks and backflow too, and it's next to impossible to find. But individual O rings will work. Get a variety of sizes, as the middle one needs to be slightly smaller than the rest.
Good luck

[Terry B.]

Re: Tery Brim (39588)

Guys, Good ideas, I appreciate your taking the time to reply..Thx Terry