Windshield Washer Pump

[Eugene V.]

Hello Everyone,
What is shown here is what remains of the windshield washer pump of my 1970 LS5 coupe. Will I be able to replace the missing parts with parts from other GM vehicles of similar vintage or would a complete replacement be my only option?
Thanks,
Gene Ventura
IMG_3461.jpg

[Alan S.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

Hi Gene,
I'll respond by noting that I see the most important part of your washer pump is still there... the 5 port pump.
I'd say you may find just the parts you need, or certainly can find a complete used 3 port pump that you can use for the parts that are missing on yours.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Pat M.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

Hi Gene,
I'll respond by noting that I see the most important part of your washer pump is still there... the 5 port pump.
I'd say you may find just the parts you need, or certainly can find a complete used 3 port pump that you can use for the parts that are missing on yours.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

Yup. A brand new 3-port assembly body from GM, or a functioning junk-yard replacement assembly from that era, or parts from either, should drive your 5-port (except whole bodies may not have the "bullet" electrical receivers). You do have the most important part, but you'll have to repair all the cracks (like the one shown near your middle screw) with epoxy or something similar to get a good seal. Good luck.

[Eugene V.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

Alan and Pat,
Thanks for your replies, now the search begins. Pat, thanks for catching that crack, I will be mixing up,the epoxy in the near future.
Gene Ventura

[Eugene V.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

After taking the pump apart, I discovered two additional cracks. Both are adjacent to the fastener holes, but are on the interior area of the pump cylinder and do not extend to the outside of the cylinder. A "bench test" of the pump resulted in it moving no fluid at all. All internal rubber seals and gaskets are intact, but appear to be the original issue pieces. Is the pump junk and are any of the available reproduction units acceptable for judging?
Thanks,
Gene

[Pat M.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

After taking the pump apart, I discovered two additional cracks. Both are adjacent to the fastener holes, but are on the interior area of the pump cylinder and do not extend to the outside of the cylinder. A "bench test" of the pump resulted in it moving no fluid at all. All internal rubber seals and gaskets are intact, but appear to be the original issue pieces. Is the pump junk and are any of the available reproduction units acceptable for judging?
Thanks,
Gene

Gene, repos are available but they are snow-white and obviously repos, and I believe they bring deducts for this. I've saved many, many original pumps even with large cracks in the piston body with epoxy. Also, the rubber pieces shrink with age and eventually fail to seal, two of which you cannot get repos for, but there are ways around this, too. If you'd like to discuss this further, PM or email me (found in my profile).

[Terry M.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

I am not sure it it would be considered off-topic, but there is considerable debate regarding the white/yellow color for the original pump. My contention is they were snow white originally, but I do nto want this thread to be consumed by that argument.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

Gene, repos are available but they are snow-white and obviously repos, and I believe they bring deducts for this. I've saved many, many original pumps even with large cracks in the piston body with epoxy. Also, the rubber pieces shrink with age and eventually fail to seal, two of which you cannot get repos for, but there are ways around this, too. If you'd like to discuss this further, PM or email me (found in my profile).

I have been fighting this misconception for a long time. I am sure all the plastic parts were white when new & turned yellow with age. I even have a set of clear floor mats that turned yellow.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

SORRY TERRY Ididn't see your post.

[Pat M.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

I am not sure it it would be considered off-topic, but there is considerable debate regarding the white/yellow color for the original pump. My contention is they were snow white originally, but I do nto want this thread to be consumed by that argument.

I have been fighting this misconception for a long time. I am sure all the plastic parts were white when new & turned yellow with age. I even have a set of clear floor mats that turned yellow.

Sounds reasonable to me. Now if we can only convince judges of this ...

[Alan S.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

Hi Gene,
I don't know just what pump info Pat might have for you, but, if you'd like, I can send you a copy of an article member Bob Cook wrote about repairing the washer pumps. It appeared in the RESTORER a few years ago.
I believe his article has been a help to more than a few people because his instructions are geared towards the use of presently available parts.
Regards,
Alan

[Eugene V.]

Re: Windshield Washer Pump

Alan,
Thanks for the reply. Your post prompted me to search my Restorer CD and I found and downloaded that article. I am currently looking for salvage yards to find the body of the washer pump to replace all of the parts which are missing from the one currently on my car. I have no doubt that the information in that article will be very valuable.
Thanks again,
Gene