Poxy washer tank - how many blasts before the light?

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rc944
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Poxy washer tank - how many blasts before the light?

Post by rc944 » Tue Jul 10, 2018 1:44 pm

So i replaced both front and rear outlet grommets so i know the tank is water tight. i also dont see any signs of leakage from the headlight section

is it normal that i get fewer than 15 or so blasts of washer before the light pings up on the dash?
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Bob
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Post by Bob » Tue Jul 10, 2018 2:43 pm

Seems like there is still something wrong to me.

Don't know for sure, but i've never come across a washer bottle that takes less than 2l of fluid.

So unless your "blasts" last for a good minute or so, I think you are still loosing fluid or the level sensor is fubar'd.

Rav
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Post by Rav » Tue Jul 10, 2018 4:52 pm

My tank is 5.3 litres. Enough to fill a small swimming pool.
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Post by rc944 » Tue Jul 10, 2018 10:42 pm

so i know the sensor is fine which leaves one of two options

- there is still a leak somewhere
- or each blast is releasing a lot more fluid than it should

my e39 has a similar if not same sized tank and it lasts for ages. it doesnt have the fan jets like the e46 nor headlamp wash but i does have a rear wiper jet that i use often
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Post by simon13 » Wed Jul 11, 2018 12:53 am

you've got a leak still
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rc944
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Post by rc944 » Wed Jul 11, 2018 3:30 pm

aside from areas mentioned where else should i look?
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Post by Bob » Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:28 pm

If you're sure the tank is water tight, it must be in the pipework somewhere between the tank and jets.

Any sign of dampness on the ground under the car or under the bonnet? It may well be hard to tell but try operating the jets with someone watching (and trying not to get wet) to see if it leaks under pressure/use.

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Post by simon13 » Thu Jul 12, 2018 9:16 pm

it has to be a leak from the tank area for the amount your losing. Fill it up and have a look?

Its only held on with 1 plastic screw? fill it and lift it up see anything obvious id say
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Post by rc944 » Fri Jul 13, 2018 9:23 am

its very annoying. ive already removed it from the car and tested overnight to see if any leaks and none at all. had a feel of the feeder hose to headlamp washer and bone dry

im simply going to have to sell it
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Post by Adwo » Fri Jul 13, 2018 10:22 am

Most common are the xenon washer pumps that extend when you use the washers..

Both sides use the same part number. (61678362823). Please look at the way the need to be mounted, I had to take the headlight of a second time because I screwed up the orientation.. :(

Cheers,

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Post by rc944 » Fri Jul 13, 2018 3:42 pm

good intel thanks

how did you know yours needed to be replaced?
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Charles
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Post by Charles » Sat Jul 14, 2018 10:12 am

Adwo wrote:Most common are the xenon washer pumps that extend when you use the washers..
+1

Assuming you have checked the seals where the two pumps (windscreen and headlights) push down into the washer bottle, then the next likely culprit will be the telescope jets (mentioned by Adwo).

From experience, the connection between the hose and the jets fails after a while and it is worth replacing both the telescope and the connector on the hose at the same time.

Symptoms are a steady drip of washer fluid under the headlights which will fill the undertray. If slow then you may not notice it at first but if the problem has become terminal then it floods out :shock:
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