Lost my bottle....

[Charlie_F]

Grateful for some assistance and advice please. We have a 1989 3.2 Carrera which we have owned for around 10 years. The car recently failed its MOT due to insufficient windscreen washer pressure. Whilst doing some basic fault finding it appears that I have an additional reservoir or vessel that is sitting on top of the large washer reservoir in the nearside wheel arch. I can't see this on any of the schematics and am at a loss as to whether its an historic fix to bypass the reservoir which may have a leak or if its something unique to later 89 models or not in fact related to the washer system at all? Any shared wisdom would be appreciated. I havent taken any images as I cant safely get the wheel off on our driveway.

 

[sesame]

Hi Charlie, the vessel over the washer reservoir is part of the emissions system. It manages the vapours from the fuel tank, along with other elements of the emissions system, like the charcoal cylinder in the rear right wing. Steve

 

[chas3.2]

Hi The bottle on top of the screen wash bottle + headlamp wash.
is an expansion container for the petrol tank.

you may find the washer pick pipe is blocked with slime.
it is just possible to unscrew the cap with three pipes in it
to clean the pipe, not an easy job. when the cap is off
flush out bottle with water hose pipe.
Regards
Charles.
ring me for more help.

 

[sesame]

Did you get the screen wash pressure fixed? I see Charles has given advice...
Steve

 

[Charlie_F]

Many thanks for all the advice. I will try and clean the washer bottle out and I have a replacement pump on the way In case there is a fault with the current one. I will let you know how it goes. Keen to get back on the road again.....

Charlie

 

[911hillclimber]

You haven't simply got the jet holes partly blocked with polish etc?
A fine sewing needle will poke right through to the chamber behind the swivel nozzle balls.
Hope this helps.
Graham.

 

[Charlie_F]

Thanks Graham. I’ve already cleared the washer jets to no avail. Currently the intensive wash is functioning but on headlights only. I intend to clean out the washer bottle, lines and pick up pipe and see if that has any effect as well as switching over the screen washer pump.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

I had a similar problem with lack of pressure, and the culprit was a blocked pickup in the tank.

 

[T911UK]

There is a filter on the bottom of the feed pipe in the tank, its probably gunked up with screen wash, pour some boiling water in and blast it all through if you can hear the pump running?

 

[Charlie_F]

All,

Many thanks for all your guidance and apologies in the delay in updating. Unfortunately work commitments interupted my investigations. However, I can confirm pressure restored! It was indeed no more than a blocked filter on the pickup pipe. I managed to unscrew the top of the bottle and flush out the tank and clean the filter so hopefully all will go well for the MOT retest.....on Friday the 13th.

Next little challenge will be to replace the window lifters as the originals have corroded due to water ingress. Iv'e had the door cards off a few times to refit the glass to the runners but have bitten the bullet and purchased new runners. Should be fairly straightforward but would appreciate advice on whether they are a simple intereference fit or if I should apply some form of silicone or adhesive to ensure they remain in place. i'm also considering fitting RS style doorcards at some point in the future so greatful for any reccomendations on suppliers.