Windshield/headlight washer fluid leaking...
06-02-2011, 08:54 AM
#16
Racer
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These things can be frustrating. When I've had leaks it's been between the tank and the grommet (as opposed to between the pump and the grommet) as that has the least surface area to seal. Try removing the leaking pump and grommet and put silicone seal around the tank/grommet contact point - on the outside of the tank. Insert the pump into the grommet before it all dries so you don't break the seal later putting the pump in. Two vital items: first, before you put silicone seal on everything must be 100% dry, not almost dry, 100% dry - and resist the urge to refill the tank until at least 24 hours so everything can cure. The second point is to warm up the grommet (warm, not hot) so it's more pliable. It sounds stupid but I found it really helps. Don't over do it with the sealant, just a light coat will do. I just smeared sealant around the hole in the tank and inserted the grommet, then carefully inserted the pump. Also, as mentioned earlier, be sure it's all clean as some crust on the pump and/or tank will pretty much guarantee a compromised seal.
I'm off to the 'Ship-it-Shop' in Massena N.Y. this morning to pick up my new spoiler gearbox from Sunset...pretty sure that will cure 'problem # 2'...
Jim
01-30-2018, 08:21 PM
#17
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I just fixed my windshield washer pump leak on my 97 Carrera 4S. After spending many hours doing unnecessary work and wasting 3 gallons of washer fluid, I have to share some tips here. Just to save others from the frustration.
1. Don't take off the wheel and fender liners. There's nothing you can do there.
I wasted so much time taking things apart just to realize that the pump and grommet are not accesible from there. You get in there by removing the headlight.
2. Removing the headlight takes only 30s. just turn a lever 100 degree to pop the thing out.
3. Don't assume it's the grommet leaking. It's most likely the pump. I saw stains at bottom of pump where the grommet is so I assumed its the grommet. Then I bought a new grommet and spent much time trying different things like puting teflon paste, silicon etc. and wasted 3 gallons of washer fluid And it still leaked. Sometimes I thought it's fixed but waited until I had more fluid in the tank it started leaking again. At the end I had to conclude that the pump is leaking, not the grommet. In hindsight, I shouldn't need to use any chemical on the grommet. As long as its still soft it should be able to seal.
4. To remove the pump, lift and remove the rubber spacer in between the pumps, unclip power, then just tilt the pump forward and lift it up. I cut the hose clamp and use zip tie to fit the hose to the new pump. Don't forget to put the spacer back in between the pumps.
Now after replacing the pump the area is totally dry.
If you do everything right you should be done under an hour.
1. Don't take off the wheel and fender liners. There's nothing you can do there.
I wasted so much time taking things apart just to realize that the pump and grommet are not accesible from there. You get in there by removing the headlight.
2. Removing the headlight takes only 30s. just turn a lever 100 degree to pop the thing out.
3. Don't assume it's the grommet leaking. It's most likely the pump. I saw stains at bottom of pump where the grommet is so I assumed its the grommet. Then I bought a new grommet and spent much time trying different things like puting teflon paste, silicon etc. and wasted 3 gallons of washer fluid And it still leaked. Sometimes I thought it's fixed but waited until I had more fluid in the tank it started leaking again. At the end I had to conclude that the pump is leaking, not the grommet. In hindsight, I shouldn't need to use any chemical on the grommet. As long as its still soft it should be able to seal.
4. To remove the pump, lift and remove the rubber spacer in between the pumps, unclip power, then just tilt the pump forward and lift it up. I cut the hose clamp and use zip tie to fit the hose to the new pump. Don't forget to put the spacer back in between the pumps.
Now after replacing the pump the area is totally dry.
If you do everything right you should be done under an hour.
Last edited by chiman; 01-31-2018 at 06:41 PM. Reason: additional info
01-30-2018, 09:36 PM
#18
Rennlist Member
chiman, thanks for the timely post as I walked into my garage this morning and found a lovely puddle waiting for me. I already removed the headlight and was assuming it's the grommet, but will take your experience into account before dumping more fluid in.
02-01-2018, 08:06 PM
#19
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You're welcomed. Hope it helps and best of luck.
