71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

[Mark H.]

My windshield washer has never worked. 1/71 with 2 spd wipers and 5 port input/output. No headlamp washers, so the 2 ports for up front are just looped with a 3 inch section of hose. I removed the washer pump and after about 15 minutes of figuring out how it was supposed to work, cleaned and lubricated everything and now the piston, solenoid, gears and pawl all work nicely.

Here's my question...

Is the pump supposed to make a single "click" sound when it re-sets after you push the Washer Button on the Wiper Switch? It never made a noise before because nothing was moving due to crud and old lube.
Seems to me that the eccentric that operates the piston for sucking fluid out of the fluid bag (A/C car) and then expelling it into the hoses only operates for 2 revolutions, and then releases until the solenoid is called on by pressing the Washer button again.
Any of this sound vaguely familiar in any way?
I love taking things apart and repairing them, but I don't have anything to use as a base line to tell if this is normal.
Thanx in advance.

-Mark

[Russ S.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Yes, I believe that sounds normal.

[Pat M.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Mark, when you press the washer button the round toothed wheel should engage causing the piston to engage and to draw/expell water. As one revolution takes place you should hear several "clicks", which is the piston pulling/pumping, until the toothed wheel again disengages.

[Mark H.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Thanx guys. Everything is functioning properly then, except the seal around the piston is obviously FUBAR. I sealed a rubber shop glove over the chamber and although it is moving as designed, it is neither sucking or pushing any air. I was easily able to get a mouthful of washer fluid with very little effort by suckin on the suppy hose. Just trying to NOT have to buy one of the $180 5 port repro pumps from any of the usual suspects. Oh well. Mark

[Edward J.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Mark, I would try to prime the washer pump, take a ketchup bottle and fill with water and remove the hose into tank and fill the hose. and then push the washer button may take a few trys.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Thanx guys. Everything is functioning properly then, except the seal around the piston is obviously FUBAR. I sealed a rubber shop glove over the chamber and although it is moving as designed, it is neither sucking or pushing any air. I was easily able to get a mouthful of washer fluid with very little effort by suckin on the suppy hose. Just trying to NOT have to buy one of the $180 5 port repro pumps from any of the usual suspects. Oh well. Mark

Mark,

You can often buy a washer rebuild kit in the HELP section of the auto parts store or similar which will have that seal on the piston. Dorman and Trico make them, $4-8 usually.
Just remember - it's still just an old Chevy.

[Dave S.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Thanx guys. Everything is functioning properly then, except the seal around the piston is obviously FUBAR. I sealed a rubber shop glove over the chamber and although it is moving as designed, it is neither sucking or pushing any air. I was easily able to get a mouthful of washer fluid with very little effort by suckin on the suppy hose. Just trying to NOT have to buy one of the $180 5 port repro pumps from any of the usual suspects. Oh well. Mark

Mark,
Just some simple advice. Remove the washer fluid and install clean water while troubleshooting your system. Your mouth will taste a lot better and you may live a year ot two longer.

[Pat M.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Mark, the old original seals normally don't seal very well. Put a little soapy water on the outside of the pump near the seals and blow into the main (middle, larger) hose - telltale bubbles will show you where the seal is faulty.

I've used silicone around the leaking areas and it's worked like a champ. Good luck.

[Mark H.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Dave, I'm filling the bag with beer until I get this figured out.

Ed and Pat, will try your advise tomorrow. Thanks again.

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Hi Mark,
Member Bob Cook wrote an article about re-building the pump for the RESTORER a few years ago. If you send me your e-mail address I'd be happy to send it to you. It's for both the 5 and 3 port versions.
I believe it uses the parts that Patrick mentioned.
Regards,
Alan

[Mark H.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Hi Mark,
Member Bob Cook wrote an article about re-building the pump for the RESTORER a few years ago. If you send me your e-mail address I'd be happy to send it to you. It's for both the 5 and 3 port versions.
I believe it uses the parts that Patrick mentioned.
Regards,
Alan

Thanx Alan,

After I feed the dogs and get my coffee, I'm going out to the garage to look through my file cabinet of old Restorers.
My email is xccter@yahoo.com . I have some info you may be interested in, so just send me a quick email for that until I figure out if I have the Restorer withe the rebuild article.

Mark

[Mark H.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Alan,

No gots. Please send me the article whenever you get around to it.

Mark

[Mark H.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Just for the record, priming the pump did no good. Couple drops onto the windshield. Gonna try Bob Cook's rebuild advise.

Mark

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Mark,
If you find the seal around the piston is bad (which it often is) go to the hardware store a fit a few different sizes of o-rings. Find one that fills the groove in the piston and is thick enough to seal against the wall of the cylinder. I have saved several unpumping pumps like this.
Jeff

[Dave S.]

Re: 71 Windshield Washer Pump Question

Just for the record, priming the pump did no good. Couple drops onto the windshield. Gonna try Bob Cook's rebuild advise.

Mark

Mark,
Jeff gives good advice on the "O" ring replacement.
The fact you got a couple of drops on the windshield indicates there is some water being pumped. These systems are tough to prime so that could still be the problem. I "suck" on the supply line from the tank until I get a full flow. Then immediately pinch the line with two fingers. While holding tightly with your fingers place the line on the pump nipple and then let go. That should get you a good prime as the watter cannot drain into the tank.
Also be sure the screen at the end of the supply line is not clogged. You may want to remove it while you are trying to get things to work.
Instead of silicone spray on the rubber parts I have had sucess with hand lotion. Just apply it to all the rubber parts and rub it in. Makes them nice and flexible and may expand then a little bit.
Keep trying. You'll get it.