Windshield Washer Pump

[brettj]

Hi,

My newly purchased 78 450SEL has a windshield washer issue. The fluid will not spray onto  the windshield when you press the wand on the steering wheel. The wipers come on as if the fluid came out so the wiper motor works. I take it that there must be a fluid pump to the washer cleaner. Where is it located? Anyone know what the part number is for such a pump?

Thanks,

Brett

[Beastie]

Can you hear the washer motor whirring? You may not hear the washer motor over the sound of the cars engine so you may need to operate it without the engine running. If the washer motor is working it might be a simple fix like a loose hose or a blockage.

[wbrian63]

The pump is mounted under the battery tray.

You should be able to hear the pump running even over the noise of the wipers.

Before purchasing, see whether your pump has spade connectors (flat blades) for the wiring, or round posts.

This item on eBay has spade connectors:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Mercedes-R107-W116-450SLC-450SL-Windshield-Washer-Pump-000-869-30-21-/221192190130?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item338014f8b2&vxp=mtr

[brettj]

Thanks for the replies,

I don't hear any noise from the pump when I press the washer button. I'll have to pull the hoses and see if I have a clog and check out the pump itself. Do you have to remove the battery tray to gain access to the pump?

Brett

[w116john]

hi
i had this problem on my 450 , you wont here any noise if the cogs are stuck, but its an easy fix you should take out the pump , reach down and unbolt the pump its 2 small bolts and disconnect the cable.  unscrew the bottom section of the pump you will see 2 cogs give them a good dose of wd40 even a light sanding to free the cogs.

you could check at this point if the motor is working by connecting it to battery, reassemble and hopfully its sorted

i think its common that the cogs corode and stick,
john

[brettj]

Thanks for the tip John. I'll give it a try. Sounds like an easy fix.

Brett

[brettj]

Hi All,

I finally got the chance to take apart the washer pump. The pump and everything connected to it was rusted so badly it practically fell apart in my hands. I purchased a new pump from the MB Classics Center only to find that the new pumps only come with spade connectors. Naturally my pump has round posts and because pump was so corroded I broke the connector plug in removal. The Classics Center is sending me a new connector plug for the new spade version washer pump. I've never removed any of the plugs in my cars before. What is the best way to cut and reconnect electrical plugs? I want to make sure I know what I'm doing here so I don't ruin the wiring or the new washer unit.

[wbrian63]

You should be able to disassemble the existing post-style connector and unsolder the wires from the pins. Just clean the connector thoroughly and you should be able to divine how it snaps or slides together.

Don't know whether the connector coming from MBCC will have crimp or solder-style female spades, but you'll know what to do when it arrives.

[brettj]

Now that sounds easy. I haven't received the new part yet so this repair will have to wait. Hopefully the cold snap we are having here in New England goes away quickly. I hate this weather! It prevents me from getting any work done on my W116's!

Thanks,

Brett