Windshield Washer Puzzler

[ottogaus]

Discovered the tubing attached to the windshield washer fluid reservoir was no longer attached so reattached it. Used the windshield washer which caused the tubing to again become unattached (and drain the washer fluid - arrrgh!!). Reattached the tubing again, this time using a hose clamp to make sure it didn't pop off. Washer fluid now leaks from the underbelly of the car after every time I use the washer. Blew air through hoses to try to clear any blockage, but still have same problem. Nozzles are not clogged because they work properly (before washer fluid reservoir drains due to leak). Help - I'm stumped!

[BonzoGonzo]

replace hoses - they leak

[fourwheeler]

Just so I'm clear, you blew air through the hose that attaches to the washer reservoir and the air blew through the lines fine, so the lines are not blocked?

[ottogaus]

Yes, blew air (via a can of canned air for dusting electronics) from the ends of the hoses attached to the connection on the side of the hood - one hose leads to the reservoir and the other to the nozzles. Also blew air into each of the two nozzles. Only experience the problem (washer fluid dripping from the underbelly) after using washer. I am thinking I may still have a blockage and possibly also a leaky hose. Thoughts??

[chuckoff]

May be leaking at grommet that seals pump to resivore, or line from pump.

[fourwheeler]

I don't think your canned air is providing enough volume to tell if you have a blockage at the nozzle or not. The air is probably just blowing out of the open tube. Try getting access to a blow nozzle from an air compressor and create a seal with your tubing and blow towards the nozzle. It would indicate if air is blowing from your washer nozzles they are clear or not, or blow some junk out.

[BonzoGonzo]

straight pressure from an air compressor will, of course, blow the vacuum lines used for the washer fluid apart...

[fourwheeler]

try turning down the pressure

[Skully4]

how do you gain access to the bottom of washer ? is there access behind tire?

[BonzoGonzo]

remove the plastic panel on the bottom of the fender

[pmesfun]

+1, I replaced mine 2 weeks ago, really simple. 2 bolts and 1 nut hold the tank.

[ottogaus]

I disconnected the two hoses where they attach via a connector on the pass side of the hood. Took a small can of dust-off canned air (don't have a compressor) and blew into both hoses. Problem solved. Thanks for everyone's help.