window wipers wont spray

[87BoxClassic]

my window wipers work perfectly, but when i press the tab to shoot wiper fluid onto the windshield it does not spray. the wipers move across slowly like it is working but nothing comes out. and the wiper fluid is full.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by 87BoxClassic

my window wipers work perfectly, but when i press the tab to shoot wiper fluid onto the windshield it does not spray. the wipers move across slowly like it is working but nothing comes out. and the wiper fluid is full.

most likely the pump is worn out. I installed an aftermarket pump below tank level and placed a check valve on the pump out line. this worked better than the original design as it used less washer fluid and had a lot more pressure. check the power to old washer wiper assy. just in case it is the washer control switch or some other wiring problem/ground........

[PeteA216]

Very common, especially if you have the old-school mechanical piston type sprayer. Check many things: No breaks or cracks in the hose going from the tank to the pump, make sure there's a good electrical connection going to the pump. If you have the mechanical pump, and the connection is sound, you should hear a click in the wiper unit when you push the spray tab. Also if you have a mechanical pump, they sell a rebuild kit with new seals, and valves for the pump. You can also but a retrofit electric pump kit to go in it's place. If you already have an electric pump, and everything checks out then try replacing the electric motor in the pump, found at any auto parts store.

[mike561]

This happened to mine too, i just replaced the pump and all is good again, i see you live near me, bennett auto supply had the pump. just bring the old one

[87BoxClassic]

mike how much was it, and how easy to do?

[mike561]

I cant remember the price exactly but i dont think it was anymore then $20, it was pretty easy just getting the old one out was a bit of a pain, though it could be a little different on your 87

[PeteA216]

It's very easy, assuming your replacing it with the electric pump... Unplug the old one, take off the hoses, unscrew the (3...?) screws, take it off, put the new one on, screw it in, plug it in, put the hoses on, and try it out.

['97ventureowner]

Before checking to see if it's the washer pump, did you check to see if possibly the sprayers are clogged? I've seen many times where debris gets trapped somewhere in the line to the sprayer or the sprayer itself. On the older GMs that had the metal sprayers ( the era before these plastic ones,) it was easy to take an air line from a compressor and blow out the debris. Always start at the simplest, cheapest fix. Another thing that used to plague the sprayers was ice buildup, especially if the washer fluid didn't have any anti-freeze in it to prevent freezing.

[beat88ls]

Originally Posted by mike561

I cant remember the price exactly but i dont think it was anymore then $20, it was pretty easy just getting the old one out was a bit of a pain, though it could be a little different on your 87

yeah i just did this in my 83... i have seen the pump go anywhere from $19.99 to $24.99 (c.a.p.)

@87BoxClassic: There will be two types of pump, one for cars without intermittent wipers and one for cars with intermittent wipers. Removal is exactly as Pete said; it should take no more than 15 minutes, 30 minutes at the most (but not likely)