Windshield washer pump?

[Dr. Lee]

My 30 year old truck has a windshield washer acting like it has a bad prostate. What are the experiences with replacing the washer pump? Is TRICO ok, or should I go with AC/Delco? My past experience suggests going OEM, but I want to find out what others have done, and what they have learned.

Thanx, Dr. Lee

[trbankii]

I tend to think along the lines of "well, if the OEM lasted 30 years..."

[DmaxMaverick]

I agree, but you can probably buy a bunch of aftermarkets pumps for the price one OEM. I replaced the OEM pump on my '85 when it was about 15 years old, and the "cheap" aftermarket pump is still working. They may be one in the same, OEM and aftermarket. Who knows what they're stuffing the boxes with these days. Aftermarket and store-brand parts often have better warranties than OEM parts. I'm not sure about the washer pump, but OEM electrical parts rarely have any warranty at all, unless installed by the dealer.

On older vehicles, such as yours, replacing the washer pump can often lead to tank breakage. Sometimes, no level of careful helps. The plastic can be very brittle and unforgiving.

[AKMark]

My 99 Suburban has an 85 K-5 Blazer tank and pump mounted to the hydrobooster because the factory tank cracked. Pumps on those were cheap and easy to change. Folks look at mine and wonder if I have methanol injection.

[DmaxMaverick]

......Folks look at mine and wonder if I have methanol injection.

Well, you do..... If you are using winter washer fluid. It's not "injected" where they think it is.

[Dr. Lee]

The pump is not on the tank in my '84. It appears to be integrated with the wiper motor assembly. I am thinking now of an aftermarket in-line pump to push the fluid along.

- Lee

[arveetek]

(Sorry, bit off topic here...)

Dr. Lee! How are you my old friend? :D I haven't heard from you in ages!!

Casey

[arveetek]

(Back on topic)

My old '81 had a combo unit as well. I went with an aftermarket tank and inline pump setup, and spliced into the wiring so that the OEM switch still operated the washer pump.

I don't recall exactly why I chose this option.... seems like it might have been because the OEM replacement unit was rather expensive, and the universal aftermarket tank and pump was quite cheap. However, it's been several years since I did that mod, so I can't say for sure.

Casey

[wpdozer]

I fitted a washer tank from a 2002 S10 blazer in my M1031 to make room for a plow pump install, the bracket you see to the left of the washer tank. I used both pumps in the tank to feed either side of the windshield. It covers the entire windshield with fluid, and holds a full gallon of washer fluid. I wired the pumps into the wiper motor/pump so it works as original. Easy!:)

[Dr. Lee]

. . . did the trick, for $12 plus shipping. Included instructions showed how to re-route the water tubing, and told me that the white wire was for +12VDC. The description in the shop manual told me that the white wire going to the old pump is also the +12VDC, so white-to-white wiring made it easy.

Now I get lots of fluid when I need to wash the windshield.

Old trucks never die, they just keep getting modified. If we wanna keep 'em.