1971 Wiper washer

[James C.]

I recently replaced the wiper blades on my 1971 due to the tube breaking and now the window washer is not working. Does the pump need to be "primed" to get it to function. It was working fine before having to disconnect the wiper hoses. If so, how does one go about priming it. I am afraid the answer will suck. Thanks! Jim

[Mike F.]

Re: 1971 Wiper washer

It's pretty simple.

Prime Pump - Pull the wiper hoses off of the wiper pump port fitting and run the washer pump. If the pump is primed, fluid will squirt out of the wiper hose port fittings. If the pump needs primed, pull the hose from the washer fluid tank, fill hose with fluid, add a bit of air pressure (with wiper hoses disconnected from wiper motor ports) and force the fluid into the pump, you'll see fluid coming out of the wiper hose ports.
When the pump is working it may take a few tries to fill empty wiper hoses.

Prime Wiper Hoses - You can also fill the wiper hoses seperately and apply a little air pressure to each one and make sure the wiper hoses are clear and functioning.

Reconnect everything and you should be good to go.

I try to use my wiper/washer system at least once a month, otherwise it drains back into the tank and the pump is just pumping air.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1971 Wiper washer

It's pretty simple.

Prime Pump - Pull the wiper hoses off of the wiper pump port fitting and run the washer pump. If the pump is primed, fluid will squirt out of the wiper hose port fittings. If the pump needs primed, pull the hose from the washer fluid tank, fill hose with fluid, add a bit of air pressure (with wiper hoses disconnected from wiper motor ports) and force the fluid into the pump, you'll see fluid coming out of the wiper hose ports.
When the pump is working it may take a few tries to fill empty wiper hoses.

Prime Wiper Hoses - You can also fill the wiper hoses seperately and apply a little air pressure to each one and make sure the wiper hoses are clear and functioning.

Reconnect everything and you should be good to go.

I try to use my wiper/washer system at least once a month, otherwise it drains back into the tank and the pump is just pumping air.

James,
If Mike's way doesn't work try this.
Fill tank with pure water
Remove the line from the tank at the pump.
Suck on the line like a straw and once water gets to you pinch the rubber with your fingers at the end. (the need for pure water is now
obvious)
Replace the rubber line back on the pump while pinched and release the pinch once installed.
You should be good to go.
Try it 3 or 4 times to get it going.
Sounds hard but it is quite simple.
Good Luck.
Use once a month as Mike recommends.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1971 Wiper washer

If there is the slightest leak between the pump and the supply resevoir the pump will pull air rather than liquid. You must be absolutely there is NO air leak in the supply side of the windshield washer system.

[Pat M.]

Re: 1971 Wiper washer

If there is the slightest leak between the pump and the supply resevoir the pump will pull air rather than liquid. You must be absolutely there is NO air leak in the supply side of the windshield washer system.

+1000. If all of the seals are performing properly the pump should prime itself and not drain water. Been there, done that.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1971 Wiper washer

+1000. If all of the seals are performing properly the pump should prime itself and not drain water. Been there, done that.

And chances are good that you will not find that small pinhole leak using mouth suction.