SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Windshield washer check valves

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Old 07-18-12, 07:14 AM
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kjcole
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Default Windshield washer check valves

Weak washer stream on my 2002. No leaks that I can detect, nozzles are clean. I was wondering if the parts called 'joints' on the Sewell blow-ups (two straight joint connectors white in color in line with the hoses leading directly to the nozzles) actually function as check-valves. My '87 Audi 5000 CS TQ had such check-valves and they needed changing every once-in-awhile. Anyone change these on their SC's?


Kelly

Last edited by kjcole; 07-18-12 at 07:57 AM.
Old 07-18-12, 08:34 AM
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VVTiBob
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No on my lines but I did need to replace one of my nozzle heads. It looked pretty clean but the dealer said it was done and they were right. They wanted an unreasonable amount (in my mind) money to change it out. Ordered the part and did it myself...but that is another story.
Old 07-18-12, 09:10 AM
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kjcole
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Thanks. So maybe it is my nozzles? I found them for $14 each (hopefully super red is the same as absolute red). Weak stream out of both, and equally so, which makes me suspect something upstream of both nozzles. Maybe need to check those upstream connection joints first.

any tricks/issues in changing them out??

Kelly
Old 07-18-12, 10:03 AM
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grabber2
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Saw this thread & checked mine......wow, nothing came out at all. cleaned it & still nothing.

it was filled-up, I have not use the washer for at least 9 months since I never bring her out when its wet or snow.

Wiper was working but no water came out. The head light washer was working fine.
Old 07-19-12, 06:48 AM
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VVTiBob
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The easiest way to tell if it's the nozzle or something else is to disconnect the tubing at a connection point then run them to check water pressure.
Regarding installation; the nozzle come as a one piece pre-painted part so you need to order the proper color for you car by color code. The part has a "v" type retaining clip and the trick is finding a way to compress the top of the "v" so it can slip through the hole in the hood's sheet metal. There's no issue installing them as the "v" clip compresses as it passes through the opening then springs back to lock in the nozzle.
I strongly suggest layer(s) of tape to protect the hood's surface.
I know you're thinking I'll just get it from underneath. Unfortunately access from the underside is partially blocked by the hood support structure, or at least mine is. Mine took a while with some thin tools and an extra hand but I was able to change it out and they both work fine now.
Old 07-20-12, 05:39 PM
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Harold57
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The washers do put out a weak stream, at least mine always have. It is enough to get it over the windshield though. I always figured that it was weak so that you wouldn't take a shower if the top was down.
Old 07-21-12, 07:36 AM
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tfischer
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Sometimes that is due to stuff just clogging up the nozzle itself. I have used a toothpick myself with good results.
Old 07-23-12, 07:54 AM
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kjcole
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Interesting thought, Harold. I hadn't considered that the 'stream' rather than 'spray' characteristic was intentional.
Old 07-23-12, 09:53 AM
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Fixed mine with a tiny metal needle.....it must be the wax/clay from the last clean. I have try tooth pick but it didn't work. So for those tried tooth pick and didn't work, try again with a smaller needle
Old 07-23-12, 01:25 PM
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Habious
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My dad loved the fact that I played guitar.

Not because he liked the deafening noise my friends and I would make with our garage band, but because he could always find little 6-inch pieces of guitar string (the end you clip off after you wind it around the tuning peg) lying around the workshop. These were GREAT for cleaning out the windshield washer nozzles.

The wound D or A strings work well.
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