How to clean windshield washer nozzles? | FerrariChat
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How to clean windshield washer nozzles?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by GrigioGuy, Mar 6, 2005.

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  1. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 26, 2001
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    Enzo Gorlomi
    #1 GrigioGuy, Mar 6, 2005
    Yeah, I know, it sounds stupic.

    One of the previous owners on my 328 used some type of mutant windshield cleaner that dried as a solid in the hoses and the nozzles. I've replaced the hoses, but can't seem to get it all out of the nozzles, and so I either get no spray, an odd spray, or solid chunks hitting my windshield at subsonic speeds.

    I've tried boiling the nozzles, which helped some. I've tried compressed air -- once again, some progress but not much.

    Any other suggestions? The passageways are tiny in these things, so a pin or something similar won't fit.
     
  2. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,059
    USA
    #2 f355spider, Mar 6, 2005
    You can try some 16 or 18 guage stranded wire, and take one of the strands and see if you can use that like a "pipe cleaner".

    There are cleaners sold in hardware stores for dissolving hard scale on bathtubs and fixtures...you might buy some and soak them in it.

    Dave
     
  3. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
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    Dr. Dumb Ass
    #3 judge4re, Mar 6, 2005
    Do you have access to a small ultrasonic bath like used in cleaning jewelery?
     
  4. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    Enzo Gorlomi
    #4 GrigioGuy, Mar 6, 2005
    Both good ideas! I had forgotten about the ultrasound stuff, and I even used to use one at work. Thanks!
     
  5. DGS

    DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 DGS, Mar 6, 2005
    I had good luck cleaning obstructions from my 328's nozzles by hooking up one of those brake bleeding hand pumps to the removed nozzle. I hooked the vac line up to the nozzle hose fitting, dropped the nozzle in a bucket of water, and pumped until water (and junk) was pulled into that cup thing that comes with the bleeder kit.

    Of course, I think that was more of a case of some contaminant in the washer fluid clogging the nozzle, so running it backwards cleared it out.
     
  6. WAR EGL

    WAR EGL Formula Junior

    May 8, 2003
    726
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    TWS
    #6 WAR EGL, Mar 6, 2005
    If it comes to having to soak the nozzles to clean them out, suggest letting them sit in vinegar for 24 hours before you spend money on cleaners. Its cheaper and works better than most of the cleaners you can buy.
     

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