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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

windshield washer working backwards

  • Thread starter Thread starter pudman
  • Start date Start date Jul 19, 2009

pudman

Member
May 31, 2008
109
0
16
tujunga,ca
Jul 19, 2009
#1
  • Jul 19, 2009
  • #1
on my 86 gt vert when I pull the lever to wash the windshield the wipers go 2 full revolutions before the water sprays. As I can remember it's been this way since day one. Does everyone elses do the same? Is there a way to make the water spray first?
 

LiquidGT

Member
Oct 8, 2007
368
0
16
Near STL hell
Jul 19, 2009
#2
  • Jul 19, 2009
  • #2
Maybe you have a weak pump or a clogged line.
 

stang&2Birds

Founding Member
May 4, 2000
2,091
5
58
New England. :-) CT/MA
Jul 19, 2009
#3
  • Jul 19, 2009
  • #3
Sounds like a weak pump, or a leak in the washer fluid lines. After ~25 years, it's a good idea to replace the washer lines anyways, and they're cheap.
 

pudman

Member
May 31, 2008
109
0
16
tujunga,ca
Jul 19, 2009
#4
  • Jul 19, 2009
  • #4
nope. the pump works fine, and the water comes out great. just has its sequence wrong IMO
 

Saleen0679

10 Year Member
Apr 14, 2005
876
24
49
Yakima, WA
Jul 20, 2009
#5
  • Jul 20, 2009
  • #5
There really is no sequence that can be off. The switch applies voltage to both the washer pump (a straight shot) and to the wipers via the interval governor at the same time. It sounds like it's taking too long to build up washer fluid pressure.

Somewhere in line between the washer switch and the washer motor there should be a small test connector. It will probably be gray and should have two BK/W wires attached to it. If your setup is like the later models the connector will be in the mess of wires below the washer reservoir. Stick one end of a wire into the connector and touch the other end to the positive (+) battery terminal. This will apply power to the washer pump and you should be able to see if there is any delay between application of power and washer fluid spray.
 

cusp

Member
Jun 13, 2009
61
2
19
Santa Barbara
Jul 20, 2009
#6
  • Jul 20, 2009
  • #6
pudman said:
on my 86 gt vert when I pull the lever to wash the windshield the wipers go 2 full revolutions before the water sprays. As I can remember it's been this way since day one. Does everyone elses do the same? Is there a way to make the water spray first?
Click to expand...

The lag time must be how long it takes to fill the tubes to the spray nozzles. I bet there is a check valve leaking or a leak in the line some place. Try this....
After the first squirt, wait a couple seconds and hit it again. It the sequence time the same or shorter.
 

pudman

Member
May 31, 2008
109
0
16
tujunga,ca
Jul 20, 2009
#7
  • Jul 20, 2009
  • #7
cusp said:
The lag time must be how long it takes to fill the tubes to the spray nozzles. I bet there is a check valve leaking or a leak in the line some place. Try this....
After the first squirt, wait a couple seconds and hit it again. It the sequence time the same or shorter.
Click to expand...
I tried this, and the longer I waited between pulling the lever... the longer it took the water to come out. Next question being....is there a checkvalve in the line or just old leaking lines?
 
A

ar0wan

New Member
Jun 19, 2009
7
0
2
Jul 20, 2009
#8
  • Jul 20, 2009
  • #8
cusp said:
The lag time must be how long it takes to fill the tubes to the spray nozzles. I bet there is a check valve leaking or a leak in the line some place. Try this....
After the first squirt, wait a couple seconds and hit it again. It the sequence time the same or shorter.
Click to expand...

Came to say the lines aren't holding prime. The hoses will spray immediately if they stay full of fluid, they're draining backwards between usage either due to a leak in the hose or a weak seal in the pump.
 

pudman

Member
May 31, 2008
109
0
16
tujunga,ca
Jul 20, 2009
#9
  • Jul 20, 2009
  • #9
ar0wan said:
Came to say the lines aren't holding prime. The hoses will spray immediately if they stay full of fluid, they're draining backwards between usage either due to a leak in the hose or a weak seal in the pump.
Click to expand...
having said. Is the seal replaceable or do I buy a new pump?
 
A

ar0wan

New Member
Jun 19, 2009
7
0
2
Jul 21, 2009
#10
  • Jul 21, 2009
  • #10
I'd check the lines first as they will be cheaper to replace (and probably a good idea anyway) but here is your pump

79-96 WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP, W/O REAR WINDOW WASHER MUSTANG
 

pudman

Member
May 31, 2008
109
0
16
tujunga,ca
Jul 21, 2009
#11
  • Jul 21, 2009
  • #11
I've got a game plan now. Thanks for all the help Stangnet members
 
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