Windscreen Washer Question

[Randy Forbes]

Ancient history now I suppose (what with your karma and all...) but the earliest 6-cyl cars__mine is a BN6L/942__used this style of pump with a rubber bellows. To the best of my knowledge, it has not been reproduced, nor is the rubber bellows an available repair part.

The condition of the once functioning bellows when carefully disassembled.

I updated the pump to become a switch, while keeping its original appearance intact.

Sharing some of the features of the Longbridge built cars (this was the beginning of Big Healey production at Abingdon) I still have a centrally mounted double-jet squirter. Unfortunately, while waiting for me to get around to refitting the glass reservoir (STILL packed in a box for our less than recent move to Florida) and recovering/fitting the package tray, the cheap autoparts store pump has ceased to work, but I'll get around to finishing the whole system someday...

There're several more pictures detailing the process here: https://spcarsplus.com/gallery3/index.php/Healey-at-home/Longbridge-Squirter

 

[John Turney]

However, you could need a working windscreen washer to qualify for the tour.

I've never heard of that requirement.

 

[Kaybee]

Thanks for the tip, Ray. I think we might have a grandchild birthday obligation in that timeframe, but I'll look into it.

We are planning to bring the Healey to "The Gathering" at Shelton Vineyards in Dobson. NC the weekend of April 20th thru 22nd. We've been there twice while our car was moving through restoration, so this will be the first time with the Healey. It's a big show in a gorgeous setting with every British marque represented. Two years ago there were 47 big Healeys and I didn't even count the Sprites. Something just over 400 total cars. Last year heavy rain was forecast and just 9 big Healeys were there when we left. There's a scenic roads tour and a parts auction Friday, the main show Saturday and a an autocross Sunday. No judging. Anyone there can vote for their favorite cars in a large number of classes.

Enjoy getting back out on the roads soon.

Ken

 

[Kaybee]

Thanks, Randy. That is a very tidy and authentic looking upgrade.

Ken

 

[Novamonte]

I had the same problem on my recently acquired Mk II BT7. The PO had installed a new pump but it did not work. There was a check valve between the bottle and the pump, but it turned out that the pump sucked air from the nozzles rather than sucking water from the bottle. I put the check valve after the pump instead (to prevent air being sucked from the nozzles) and voila - everything works just beatifully!

 

[andrea]

OH good , the easy solutions at our washer problems

 

[jman15]

Hey Ken,
Thanks a lot for asking this question. After placing my BJ8 in storage for years I had it restored 6 years ago and everything was working great except for the windshield washer. It is the original washer unit and after pumping it a few (hundreds?) times it wouldn't work so I assumed the rubber diaphragm was rotten. Actually bought a replacement unit from Moss and discovered it was not an original replacement. So never installed it in the car and have been looking for the original version for literally years. I don't really expect to need the washer but like to keep car close to original and have what's there working. Anyway read the responses and realized I never tried to "prime the pump" - Duh! So did so and was surprised (well actually stunned) that it now works. Can't think of a better example of how valuable this forum can be so thanks again for the question.


Jim