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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: christopher on April 06, 2011, 06:49:39 AM

Title: windshield washer pump air
Post by: christopher on April 06, 2011, 06:49:39 AM
Does anyone know how to fix the air assisted windshield washer pumps?
Its in my 5c
Thanks'
Chris
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: Iceni John on April 06, 2011, 08:54:50 AM
What exactly is wrong with yours?

I have Sprague air wipers, so I guess I also have Sprague air washers.   The washers weren't squirting very effectively, so I replaced the wet-arm nozzles and tubing and cleaned the reservoir, and this helped somewhat.   My actual air-operated pump is a sealed unit that cannot be disassembled without breaking it  -  its plastic body appears to be welded or glued together.   I think it works by air from the push-valve forcing a piston inside the pump to push out one measure of fluid at a time, sort of like the push-operated pump dispensers found on shampoo and dishsoap bottles.   I assume there's a small non-return valve in there somewhere, and I think mine is leaking slightly which prevents a full discharge of fluid from the pump.

Like so much these days, it appears the pump contains no user-serviceable parts inside, so it has to be replaced when it "ceases to proceed" (to quote Rolls-Royce).

John
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: christopher on April 06, 2011, 10:14:06 AM
mine is the same way. I guess i will replace it with an electric one
I called mci, and they were a loty of $$$. not worth it
Thanks
Chris
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: John316 on April 06, 2011, 11:12:08 AM
Quote from: christopher on April 06, 2011, 10:14:06 AM
mine is the same way. I guess i will replace it with an electric one
I called mci, and they were a loty of $$$. not worth it
Thanks
Chris


I used my old submersible fuel pump (from my truck), for ours. The little ones from the auto store, didn't hack it. I ran nice rubber vacuum tube, for ours. Nice thick stuff. I have enough pressure, from that fuel pump (it was for a fuel injected truck ;D) to wash the front of the bus. I mounted auto sprayers, where the old ones went. I also put wet arms on the wipers. I love the setup now. Works VERY well.

That was BW's idea, and it was fantastic. Especially when I had one laying around.

God bless,

John
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: luvrbus on April 06, 2011, 01:28:09 PM
FWIW you can buy the universal ANCO 6501 electric washer pump kit with hoses, fitting even the the screws at Ryder Fleet for 10 bucks and use the jug off yours  


good luck
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: pabusnut on April 07, 2011, 02:20:16 PM
I looked at mine recently, and realized it looks pretty bad too!  Then I realized, I have no clue how to activate it?  I have a '73 GMC 4905, and I think there are three knobs on the dash, two of which I know operate the windshield wipers.  I have not really had the need for it, as to date I have only been a "fair weather" driver.

Steve Toomey
pabusnut
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: belfert on April 07, 2011, 06:03:30 PM
I'm pretty sure my washer "pump" is just a solenoid on an air line.  The air somehow pushes the fluid out of the tank.
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: Jerry32 on April 07, 2011, 06:53:21 PM
Now I am going to have to look at mine too as when returning from Yuma over the mountains in slush my windshieod got so bad I had a hard time seeing the road. I pushed the washer button and a few drops squirted oput which gave me a little streak to see through. Thats the first time in since I owned the bus I needed the washer so will have to work on it this summer. Jerry
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: desi arnaz on April 08, 2011, 03:41:21 AM
what would happen if you put the nozzles above the window instead of under?
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: Ed Hackenbruch on April 08, 2011, 06:42:58 AM
My 5A has the nozzles on the overhang above the windows. They got plugged up,( probably from old age and lack of use) and when i tried to take one apart it broke off. No way to access the back side of them anymore so i mounted a new nozzle below the windshields.
Title: Re: windshield washer pump air
Post by: babell2 on April 12, 2011, 10:59:28 AM
I looked below the electrical panel on my MCI-9 where the washer is and found I don't have anything except two tubes dangling.  There are four washer posts under the windshield and three nozzles but nothing in place to spray from.

Brice