How to fix a 42 year old washer pump

[milothedog]

Some of you may have had the same problem I had with the windscreen washer pump, the new ones are not quite the same and over £50 to buy so here's a cheap fix

When I took it apart I found the problem was the centre of the gasket had worn through so the pump impeller couldn't create any pressure to shift the water.

IMG_1184.JPG

I found a soft plastic cap from a small container (I think a plastic milk container would also provide what you need)

IMG_1185.JPG

I used the existing gasket as a template to make a new one. I taped it in place with clear tap and drilled the corresponding holes to accommodate the screw holes and water passages.

IMG_1187.JPG

I then refitted the top part of the pump and trimmed of the excess plastic.

IMG_1188.JPG

The resulting repair has given me windscreen washer that now work as good as they do on our modern car.



Hope this is helpful to some of you and may even save you £50


Ian


If the admin team wish to move this to the technical section please do so.

[HersnotHis]

Thanks Ian

This info/idea could work with any similar washer on other classic cars of similar vintage. Interestingly the washer on my other V8 failed my personal "pre-MOT" testing survey . Unfortunately it was not the same problem as yours but the motor brushes had disappeared! Got a working S/H motor on e-bay for £25 . Will rebuild old motor next winter as spare.

BTW as I believe you were an MOT tester can I ask you to confirm that non working main instrument lights are a failure? I am investigating but they don't work on my other V8!

H

[milothedog]

Thanks Ian

This info/idea could work with any similar washer on other classic cars of similar vintage. Interestingly the washer on my other V8 failed my personal "pre-MOT" testing survey . Unfortunately it was not the same problem as yours but the motor brushes had disappeared! Got a working S/H motor on e-bay for £25 . Will rebuild old motor next winter as spare.

BTW as I believe you were an MOT tester can I ask you to confirm that non working main instrument lights are a failure? I am investigating but they don't work on my other V8!

H

Only the the Speedo has to be illuminated. obviously on a modern then ABS, MIL light etc are also testable items when it comes to dash lights as well as indicators, hazard warning, rear fog etc.

[Goldstar]

Another top tip. Thanks Ian, skill, knowledge and a willingness to share - top bloke

[nib]

Good one Ian, I have a Trico washer pump in the garage that makes a noise but refuses to pump so will give it another look.
Thanks
Mark

[HersnotHis]

Only the the Speedo has to be illuminated. obviously on a modern then ABS, MIL light etc are also testable items when it comes to dash lights as well as indicators, hazard warning, rear fog etc.

Many thanks AFAICs the speedo is in parallel with all other instrument lights, and cure one I will cure all. Indicators, reversing, etc all OK. Need to trace source of expected 12 V !

Problem is that this car was AKA a 1.5 Stag where "AKA Mk2" updates had been applied particulaly in overseas markets before official release! My
"other V8" is late66 but first registered in New Zealand
H

[Matt73]

Good skills!

[jagorstag]

Nice fix Ian, thanks for sharing!!

Moving it to the technical section would be a good idea, for sure.

Cheers,
Joakim

[dasadrew]

That's a neat bit of micro surgery to fix a macro problem! I don't think I would have even dreamt of looking in that area for the fault.

Drew

[new to this]

good fix Ian,didn't know they come apart

thanks dave

[DJT]

Good one Ian, I have a Trico washer pump in the garage that makes a noise but refuses to pump so will give it another look.
Thanks
Mark

Could be that the rubber teeth on the impeller have broken off. That is why many of our pumps fail. I do like Ian's fix for the problem with his pump.

[jleyton]

Brilliant Ian, many thanks.

I've got about five original pumps in bits and the gasket is the stumbling block for most of them. I'd never have thought of using plastic like you've shown.

Cheers

Julian

[jbuckl]

The impellor is hard to find though.

I did get a couple by buying a couple of NOS 24v military trico pumps , but quite costly for a tiny rubber impellor.

Does anyone know another way to source a new trico impellor?

[nib]

Could be that the rubber teeth on the impeller have broken off. That is why many of our pumps fail. I do like Ian's fix for the problem with his pump.

Thanks Dave, will check that out.
Mark

[MandM]

Cheers Ian will have a go at mine.