Trying to get washer pump to work. Pulled motor and tested it with 12v power. Runs fine. Reinstalled and has having bubbles in the washer resevoir while running. It appears to be running backwards. I primed the pump and checked all lines for blockages, all lines and sprayers clear. Can the problem be in the washer cover/circut board unit? Chevy shop manual(1985 Camaro service manual) says most likely problem when washer pump does not function properly. Anyone have a clue as to what the problem is before I go and buy a new cover? Badman

 

Has it ever worked? I'd be more likely to believe that the pump was manufactured wrong.

 

Yes, has worked in the past. Also I just installed a brand new pump and its doing the same thing. Runs but is not pumping to sprayers, bubbling in resevoir.

 

Just a thought. I have an 82 and the washer pump is part of the wiper motor assembly. I just looked thought the 82 service manual and noticed that no where does the manual identify which line is connected to which nozzel on the pump. But reversing the feed line from the reservior and one of the spary nozzels will reverse the flow and air will be pumped to the reservior. If you have the same type of assembly are you sure you have the lines hooked up correctly????

The other item that I am wondering about is do you have the connector polarity for the pump motor correct? I am thinking that the DC motor will turn in the reverse direction if the voltage polarity is reversed when connected to the motor?

Just wondering

Dave

 

That was my thought, I did that on my wifes Olds minivan when I put the new pumps in.

 

The washer pump can only go into the housing one way. The feed and spray lines are two different sizes and are hooked-up correctly. Understand that I have owned this car since it was new so I know no wires or lines have been swapped or messed with. This has got me very perplexed as I have triple-checked everything. The problem may lie in the wiper cover with the circut board electronics. Any other ideas? I do appreciate all the replies with suggestions. Thanks, Badman

 

You could always disconnect the electrical connector and use two extra wires to switch the polarity and try to run the pump that way. That would tell you whether it really is running backwards or not.

Hope this helps.
Lou

 

Badman

When you installed the brand new pump, did the pump assembly include the valve assembly that is attached with four screws to the pump piston chamber? I have no idea what you get when you buy a new pump.

I don't think the circuit board is your porblem. It is used to generate the time delay when the wipers are turned on in pulse or delay mode. If the wipers are operating in pluse mode and you operate the wash switch, the timer circuit is bypassed by a mechanically dirven electrical contact, so the wipers will operate to WASH the windshield.

If you did not replace the valve assembly, then it is possible the intake valve is damaged, borken, etc. If if does not close completely on the exhaust stroke, it will drive fluid and/or air back into the reservior causing the air bubbles you are seeing. I am also wondering if the gasket between the valve assembly and the pump has a small crack in in allowing air into the pump chamber on the intake stroke. Correct operation of the pump is exhaust stroke, intake stroke, exhaust stroke, intake stroke, stop, until wash switch is closed again.

Dave

 

I don't think our pumps work like that. I have taken one apart and it is just a rubber "waterwheel" that spins in a houseing.

 

The replacement pump comes complete with hose fittings. Simply unclip and pull out old one, push new one in housing and reinstall holding clip. Then reinstall housing. As for all the various wiper speeds, delay, and operation of the washer pump, all is working as it is suppose to, with the exception of the pump running backwards. So today I am going to make 2 jumper wires with connectors,install in housing,then connect to pump motor, and see which one is getting power when I hit the switch. If it powers from the "wrong" terminal, then it is getting crossed somewhere, probaly the wiper cover circut board. After that, I have no idea what else it could be. When I complete this test, I will post results. Badman

 

Please let us know what you find. Let's say at least that I am intrigued.

Lou

 

Sorry I took so long to reply but have been busy with other buisness. It was the wiper motor cover assy. Got a new cover,installed it and fixed the problem. Somewhere in the circuitry it was getting the power crossed and making the pump run backwards.Cost was $70.00 for the cover. That's the way it goes.