Washer fluid maintenance

[Kestas]

This may be a timely post for washer fluid maintenance. I just fixed an awful spray pattern from my windshield squirters.

I took a small drill bit and by hand I gently reamed out the deposits in the nozzle. I don't know if it was calcium deposits, corrosion, or wax that can make its way into the hole, but the drill bit reamed it out. I then disconnected the water line and backflushed the deposits with a squirt bottle.

Sometimes that isn't enough to unclog the system. In that case, drain the washer fluid reservoir, and flush the reservoir with a garden hose, letting the water overflow for a long time to flush out the solids. Then disconnect the hose at the nozzles and operate the washer fluid to flush a lot of water through the system. That should get rid of any clinkers in the lines that may clog the nozzles. Put everything back together and you should be good to go for the season. This is an often overlooked maintenance item that should be done periodically when your washer fluid spray is frequently clogging up or seems a bit off.

One time I took care of a neglected system that had a cloud of precipitates inside the washer bottle. This maintenance permanently took care of the problem.

 

[Herz]

I got a problem on my Sierra where the passanger side nozzle doesnt even hit the windshield. It has always done this. I tried adjusting it but it wouldn't budge. then again I never replace passanger blades anyways.

Good tips however. Thank you.

 

[Vilan]

We used a can of compressed air to blow out some dirt that was plugging one of my dad's washer nozzles. Worked like a charm.

 

[[RT] ProjUltraZ]

i tried this wiper fluid additive this week 1Z Einszett Kristallklar Premium, filled the reservoir. Next day i hit the wipers and spray and nothing...then try it again and it comes shooting out like yellowstone geyser. couldn't believe how blocked my wiper shooters were. i guess this is what it was like when new. really double the spray, it must have unblocked some buildup

 

[Audioquest]

You could also remove the spray nozzles (if mounted on the hood)and soak them in CLR (calcium, lime, rust) remover. That way you're not drilling anything.

 

[John R]

Go to your local welding supply and purchase a torch tip cleaner. They are flexible unlike drill bits.

http://www.csuchicoag.org/AgMech/ImagePages/images/TipCleaner.jpg

 

[JimPghPA]

I always used a long pin, like a hat pin to unclog the spry output.

Changing the sub-subject, but still talking about wind-shield fluid.

The manufactures of the low cost blue fluid will not spend the extra few pennies for detergent. I purchase a large bottle of 409 in the white bottle with blue print (the refill without the sprayer gets you the most for your money if you can find it). Put a few ounces in each gallon of windshield fluid. Put the cap on the bottle and shake it up. If the air space on top fills up with at least half an inch of foam you have enough detergent to cut oil build up on you windshield.

One bottle of 409 will last many years and the low cost blue washer fluid with 409 added cost much less then more expensive washer fluid with detergent.

This really improves the visibility when looking thorough your windshield. The only down side is a detergent smell for about half a minute after you hit the sprayer.

JimPghPa