The 'E' Type Forum

Hi All.
Two quick ones-
How do I get at the two washer jets to change them?
Is there a secret to getting a better spray than the miserable dribble I currently get?
2+2 1966
Many thanks Simon

Not sure how you get to them (lot of help) but I heard they are the first thing fitted after a respray

Simon

The washer jets are held in place by wing nuts which are accessible (just) behind the centre console. Replacing them is best avoided. It is more likely the washer motor is at fault or the filter clogged. Suggest you clean out the bottle and use fresh fluid. Check the filter and consider swapping out the washer motor for either a new one or a more powerful version.

Hi David. Thanks for that but my problem is that both jets are loose and pitted and so I have bought replacements.From you're reply I am assuming the access is through that small hole(100x100approx)in the middle of the fuses that a child would have a problem getting into.Is there any other route?
I have cleaned the bottle and filter so presumably a motor change is the best option.How do I get a more powerful one or is an original good enough(I have no experience of the original )
Whilst we are on the subject or at least near to it,my wipers are parked to the left(strange as there is nothing in the pretty full history of my car to say it was ever a left hooker).Is it hugely difficult to change to the right and what are the pitfalls?
My thanks for all you're help
Simon

Simon Bolton wrote:Hi David. Thanks for that but my problem is that both jets are loose and pitted and so I have bought replacements.From you're reply I am assuming the access is through that small hole(100x100approx)in the middle of the fuses that a child would have a problem getting into.Is there any other route?
I have cleaned the bottle and filter so presumably a motor change is the best option.How do I get a more powerful one or is an original good enough(I have no experience of the original )
Whilst we are on the subject or at least near to it,my wipers are parked to the left(strange as there is nothing in the pretty full history of my car to say it was ever a left hooker).Is it hugely difficult to change to the right and what are the pitfalls?
My thanks for all you're help
Simon

Simon,

when you do refit the washer jets, use a rubber washer in the following order:

Wingnut
Flatwasher
Rubber Washer

If you don't, you will find that the washer jet turns (ask me how I know!)

Simon

Only way in is through the centre instrument panel I am afraid. The standard motor is fairly good but do not expect a massively strong jet. It works well enough given the small windscreen. Give Hutson's a call and ask Andy for his advice on types of motor available.

You should be able to alter the wiper position using the knurled knob on the bulkhead but I doubt there will be enough adjustment to move them the other way. It could be someone has fitted a LHD wiper motor to replace a faulty original in which case you need to have it rebuilt to RHD spec. I assume your motor is the DL3? Maybe worth checking the operation of the park switch when you are messing about with the jets as it is also in that area.

I seem to recall Dave Kerr had a way of converting the motor from LHD to RHD if that indeed is your problem.

Simon : assuming this is a 3 wiper car , if you take the dash top off it gives better access through the two side holes where access to the no 1 and 3 wiper mechanisms is obtained.You will probably need to lower the wiper mechanism from its fixed position to do it however. The method for this is too long to describe here but basically involves disconnecting the bell crank link at the centre, and then unscrewing the 3 nuts on the outside escutcheons and manoeuvring the apparatus downwards to give you clearance to get in

Thanks for replys
Looks like I will have to go on a serious diet or borrow a strong child! I know Dave Kerr so I might enlist his experience.
By the way 1954,I'm asking!
Many thanks Simon

Simon Bolton wrote:Thanks for replys
Looks like I will have to go on a serious diet or borrow a strong child! I know Dave Kerr so I might enlist his experience.
By the way 1954,I'm asking!
Many thanks Simon

Simon, mine turned and were loose despite me tightening down!

OK 1954 that's understood and I sympathise but.....how did you go about the cure or are you highly flexible?

Simon

Simon Bolton wrote:OK 1954 that's understood and I sympathise but.....how did you go about the cure or are you highly flexible?

Simon

Simon,

by forcing my hands inside the bulkhead, taking them apart and refitting with rubber washers. Doable - just!

Angus

Cheers Angus.Sounds painful but I'll have to do it!.I'll let you know

Simon

Well,I've just tried and failed miserably! Can hardly get my hand in next to the wiper connecting bar let alone get to a jet.Even if I did I'd be scared of dropping a wing nut and losing it forever.
Any other ideas?Is there at least an expanding slip on washer type thingy that would at least tighten the jet protem until I can find an intelligent enough child with strong fingers?I suppose an access hatch through the engine bulkhead is too extreme-yeh I thought so.Oh well,time for a glass of wine and a ponder.
Happy Sunday all
Simon

Simon

You can sometimes slip a small 'O' ring over the washer jet and it will tighten things up. Use a bit of lubricant (soapy water etc) and it will contract under the jet. A small plastic blade will help things on their way.

Thanks David
That sounds more like my kind of repair-More driving time and less aggro. Now where is that wine.

Many thanks Simon

Funny this as my car is being resprayed at the mo, and we had to remove these, like you said slightly tight access! thankfully the windscreen was out. So we did get them out. They will be put in first!

Jaime

Jaime
Do you want some shiny new ones.Rather they go to a resto than sit in my drawer.Just P+P needed.
Simon

Simon,

You didn't ask for my advice so this means you have either done it or tried and failed and now can't be bothered :D

I fitted mine when the car was in bits without the dash top fitted which is the only way I think you can do it-dash off I mean.

Forget the stupid wingnuts they are useless fit proper nuts 3/8" UNC I think they are. Using nuts means you can get them tight and also use a long reach combination spanner so you don't cut your wrists to bits doing it.

Also forget going in through the cut out behind the centre dash if you remove the dash top then there are cut outs behind the clocks and the glove box where you can get a spanner on or if you must get your hand in.
Another tip if using a spanner tie a peice of string around one end so when you drop the spanner you can pull it out easily and not have to fish around with a magnet or whatever.

Dave

Hi Dave.Thanks for post and have sent an e-mail.

Re Water jet pressure.I am embarrassed to admit that what I thought was a tired pump turned out to be a nearly seized shaft.A liberal dosing of WD40 and hey presto, a new lease of life.(check out 2000 uses for WD40 on their web site-full of surprises)
Simon

Simon,

I would take a look at the shaft and use some waterproof grease. WD40 is great as a penetrating oil but is a solvent and therefore evaporates.
Thats why you shouldn't use it to protect your chrome etc.

Dave