Is it possible to drain the screenwash reservoir?

[stevestrat]

As you know I recently got myself a 75. I have no idea what the former owner put in the screenwash reservoir, instead of some proprietory screenwash solution it looks like they have just added a dollop of washing up liquid to me. Might be kind to your hands but it does little for visibility, tends to smear most of the time.

Is there any way to drain the contents, maybe flush the reservoir and start afresh?

Steve

[Parker]

There are some threads on how to remove the bottle and flush it clean, would post a link but on my mobile so try a search.

[JohnDotCom]

Removing the filter itself is best way.
Then you can flush through bottle with copious amounts of water and wash the filter to.

The two methods are to either
Remove the front bumper, may as well do all the other jobs listed by Jules at the same time.
or
Gain access behind the drivers side wheel arch liner, at the bottom area, remove lower fitting/screw holding it.
where with mainly just "feeling" you can find the filter and remove, normally getting very wet at same time.

[Starman]

Hi guys. Is it possible to use one of these sealey vacuum liquid extractors on the washer bottle?

[stevestrat]

Originally Posted by Starman

Hi guys. Is it possible to use one of these sealey vacuum liquid extractors on the washer bottle?

I was thinking along those lines myself, even just syphoning but it would have to be an extremely narrow tube!

[rrobson]

yeah, dont see why not, would get most if not all out.

Originally Posted by stevestrat

I was thinking along those lines myself, even just syphoning but it would have to be an extremely narrow tube!

why would you need a narrow tube? the plastic mesh in the top of the filler neck comes out, along with that section of pipe. it just attaches to the body of the bottle similar to a bayonet fitting

[T-Cut]

You could just hold the button and wait.

On a more practical level, if anything other than a good screenwash concentrate is used, the detergent in it will soon start fermenting due to bacterial action. I don't know about Fairly Liquid, but cheap washing up liquids contain salt to thicken 'em, so they're also corrosive. Stop any existing bug trouble/pong by sterilising the washer reservoir with a hot solution of bleach. Leave at least an hour before flushing and refilling.

TC.

[stevestrat]

Originally Posted by rrobson

why would you need a narrow tube? the plastic mesh in the top of the filler neck comes out, along with that section of pipe. it just attaches to the body of the bottle similar to a bayonet fitting

Ah, that greatly simplifies matters! Haven't had the 75 long enough to find out things like that yet.

Steve

[crofts]

Have not had to sort mine in the 7 yrs I have had car. Think I would remove neck of bottle and direct hose nozzle at moderate pressure towards bottom and let it bubble over to waste. Once clear T/C's idea of the hot bleach is good as many members have had thick 'gunge' form at the bottom of the bottle. Rinse again and refill with screen wash. (I have nearly always used Halfords ready mixed screen wash, never Fairy ! !)

[Dragrad]

I had a problem with a dirty screen-wash problem, jets clogging. I used a compressor and back blasted the system, refilling with proper screen-wash and water as required. In 10 mins I had all the gunk out and I've never had a problem since, and that was some 18 months ago +

Some months later... bumper off, and I checked the pump and filter.... all clean !

No taking anything apart or fiddly procedures...... Simply took the connection under the first washer unit apart and put the air gun to it..... after back blasting each washer jet....

Simples........