Washer jets mystery

AndyJ180 · 25th July 2020, 15:26

I have a tourer with erratic washer jets. The rear is fine and has a strong jet but the bonnet washers are typically feeble though occasionally flip to full power. I’m assuming a blockage somewhere but where’s the best place to track it down?

suzublu · 25th July 2020, 15:59

The filter at the bottom of the bottle

Just remove it and give it a good clean

AndyJ180 · 25th July 2020, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzublu

The filter at the bottom of the bottle

Just remove it and give it a good clean

Surely that would affect the rear jet equally. The rear is strong whilst fronts are weak. Don’t want to get the tank out if it’s something simpler

suzublu · 25th July 2020, 18:35

No need to remove the tank, just the front wheel. Peel back the liner and pull off the filter. Or, take the nozzles off and give them a good clean.
Alternatively, fit Ford Focus washer jets, much better

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...&postcount=200

moffat666 · 27th July 2020, 14:16

hi andy, had similar problems with my saloon, turned out to be the T piece between the jets under the bonnet. poss non return valve issue or just drawing in air. john ,

T-Cut · 27th July 2020, 14:45

If you detach the supply tubing to the under-bonnet T-piece, you can test everything from there back. Get an assistant to operate the washers while you watch the tube. If you get a faceful of screenwash, the problem is from the T-piece forwards. Maybe the washer jets are bunged up?

TC

AndyJ180 · 1st August 2020, 06:43

Thanks for the tips everyone. Investigations confirm a problem with the t-piece. I will now try and fix it, but if unsuccessful can anyone recommend a replacement part? I will also need new underbonnet insulation fixings. Damn those clumsy fingers!

Maxfly · 1st August 2020, 14:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyJ180

Thanks for the tips everyone. Investigations confirm a problem with the t-piece. I will now try and fix it, but if unsuccessful can anyone recommend a replacement part? I will also need new underbonnet insulation fixings. Damn those clumsy fingers!

You could possibly get new connectors and hose from a pet shop? I used stuff for fish tanks when sorting the rear screen wash on my ZR years ago, seems better suited tbh as more flexible and when I sold the car the new hose and connectors had been on the car longer than the oe stuff had managed to last.

Chunky2778 · 1st August 2020, 21:57

I had (and still have to an extent) the same problem, I fixed it briefly by removing the supply pipe to the t piece and working the washers, the stuff that came out smelt foul.

When I filled the bottle with very hot water it bubbled up like a swamp, worked ok for a while though.

I'm thinking it's poor quality screenwash breaking down into jelly, my fix is going to be to drain it again, leave a bottle of white vinegar soaking in there for half a day or so, flush with boiling water then refill with quality screenwash.

AndyJ180 · 11th August 2020, 15:46

Eventually found time to disassemble the t-piece and have a look. No dirt or jelly-like substances so reassembled and tested and working fine now. My theory is the return valve was sticking and is now freed up. With MOT tomorrow I have fingers crossed it stays that way. Thanks everyone for the helpful comments.

25th July 2020, 15:26	#1
AndyJ180 Regular poster MGZT-T Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SE London Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Washer jets mystery I have a tourer with erratic washer jets. The rear is fine and has a strong jet but the bonnet washers are typically feeble though occasionally flip to full power. I’m assuming a blockage somewhere but where’s the best place to track it down?

25th July 2020, 18:35	#4
suzublu This is my second home rover 75 1.8 vvc club se wedgwood blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 26,918 Thanks: 65 Thanked 7,142 Times in 4,642 Posts	No need to remove the tank, just the front wheel. Peel back the liner and pull off the filter. Or, take the nozzles off and give them a good clean. Alternatively, fit Ford Focus washer jets, much better https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...&postcount=200 Last edited by suzublu; 25th July 2020 at 19:08..

27th July 2020, 14:16	#5
moffat666 Newbie rover 75 saloon Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: stonehouse Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	water jet mystery hi andy, had similar problems with my saloon, turned out to be the T piece between the jets under the bonnet. poss non return valve issue or just drawing in air. john ,

25th July 2020, 15:59	#2
suzublu This is my second home rover 75 1.8 vvc club se wedgwood blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 26,918 Thanks: 65 Thanked 7,142 Times in 4,642 Posts	The filter at the bottom of the bottle Just remove it and give it a good clean

27th July 2020, 14:45	#6
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,752 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	If you detach the supply tubing to the under-bonnet T-piece, you can test everything from there back. Get an assistant to operate the washers while you watch the tube. If you get a faceful of screenwash, the problem is from the T-piece forwards. Maybe the washer jets are bunged up? TC

1st August 2020, 06:43	#7
AndyJ180 Regular poster MGZT-T Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SE London Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Thanks for the tips everyone. Investigations confirm a problem with the t-piece. I will now try and fix it, but if unsuccessful can anyone recommend a replacement part? I will also need new underbonnet insulation fixings. Damn those clumsy fingers!

1st August 2020, 21:57	#9
Chunky2778 Avid contributor MG ZT Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Plymouth Posts: 109 Thanks: 5 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts	I had (and still have to an extent) the same problem, I fixed it briefly by removing the supply pipe to the t piece and working the washers, the stuff that came out smelt foul. When I filled the bottle with very hot water it bubbled up like a swamp, worked ok for a while though. I'm thinking it's poor quality screenwash breaking down into jelly, my fix is going to be to drain it again, leave a bottle of white vinegar soaking in there for half a day or so, flush with boiling water then refill with quality screenwash.

11th August 2020, 15:46	#10
AndyJ180 Regular poster MGZT-T Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SE London Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Eventually found time to disassemble the t-piece and have a look. No dirt or jelly-like substances so reassembled and tested and working fine now. My theory is the return valve was sticking and is now freed up. With MOT tomorrow I have fingers crossed it stays that way. Thanks everyone for the helpful comments.