73 Windshield Washer

[Glenn B.]

I have a strange problem with my washer; when you turn it on it works fine, but will not stop. Has anyone else had this problem or have any ideas?

Glenn

[Pat M.]

Re: 73 Windshield Washer

Glenn, I think I've had the problem you're describing before. Mine's a 70 but the "guts" should be the same.

Normally when just the wipers are on the little ratchet wheel on the washer pump is not engaged; one metal arm does not allow another arm to grab the ratchet wheel teeth. But when you push the washer switch the former arm is pulled out of the way by a magnet, then held up physically by a leg on this arm, thus allowing the second arm to grab the ratchet teeth and making the washer pump work.

There is a hole in the ratchet wheel so that when one revolution is made the the first arm's leg should fall in the hole, and then again blocks the engagement of the wheel. When I had the problem the little plastic groove that guides the leg to the fall-off hole had worn down so that the leg would simply jump the hole and begin another wheel revolution.

I had to make the hole a little bigger so that the leg was forced to again fall into to it after one revolution, thus stopping the pump.

Clear as mud? Take the cover off the pump, push the washer switch, and see if this is the problem. I can add pictures if it'll help illustrate the above.

Edit to add pictures: First picture shows first arm in the down position, preventing engagement of the wheel;

Second shows first arm up and being held up by it's leg, allowing engagement;

Final shows the first arm leg being guided back to the hole and the down position.

As I said, if the plastic guide is worn the leg can simply jump the hole and the wheel will not disengage.