Windscreen washer pumps

[TC1500Wirral]

My 1500TC is not in frequent use and I am having to replace the motors which appear to 'seize up' very readily. I am on my 4th motor. Is there a washer additive I can put in the water that might prevent this? Graham

[marshman]

I might be wrong but I think the screen wash additive is a non starter. Screen wash by it's very nature cleans and gets rid of or "cuts through" oil, dirt and grime. So any metal surface it touches will be left clean and oil free and therefore exposed to the moisture and air and hence possible corrosion issues if it is "cheap" unprotected steel, as I suspect most pump motor spindles are.

I have seen exactly the same problem with "in tank" fuel pumps. If left unused for a few weeks and the tank fuel level is low the motors seize. When you take them apart invariably there is a nice crust of rust on the motor shaft preventing it working.

Solution??? a better quality pump !

[Howard81]

I found that the new Lucas WSB100 pumps do wear out very quickly. I fitted a chinese copy and it has been working fine for almost two years... but I think it is luck of the draw.

[Richard the old one]

Purchase a modern 12v pump such as part wp12 from www.vechicle products.co.uk. as they seem to last a lot better. I have fitted one on the top of the washer reservoir as the wires and pipes were long enough to fit it there and it is so easy to get at. Use the wife's hair drier to warm up the plastic tubes to get then on and off. You may need to prime the pump initially to get it going.

[Uncletravellingmatt]

My pump is fine it’s the blooming washer jets that’s the problem, wonky wobbly and move every time I shut the bonnet! Thinking of brazing or soldering them in place?!

[Richard the old one]

Wonky wobbly jets are a common problem. I have just used some resin to stop them moving about.

[Uncletravellingmatt]

Good idea, engineers stores will be raided tomorrow