I remember when cars did NOT have screen washers! They appeared as an accessory, and they were one of the things you wondered how you managed without them!
There are a couple of things you can do to improve your windscreen washers, the simplest being fit extra (or double) jets. Two other improvements are shown here.
1) Fit an electric pump, but keep the original dashboard (manual) pump,
and
2) Find and fit a period accessory called a "Hot Wash"
The above diagram shows the circuit requirements to fit an electrical system "on top" of the original pump system. You'll need two one-way valves, a T-piece, additional tubing plus an electric pump and bottle. These plastic bottles complete with pumps can be picked up second-hand quite easily. Note the directions of the one way valves. These are marked on the valves with an arrow showing the flow direction.
If you switch on the electric pump, the easiest path for the water is through the T-piece and out via the washer jets.
If you use the hand pump, again the easiest path is through the T-piece and out via the washer jets.
The advantages are that no originality is lost. You have to add a switch for the electric pump, but you have not lost the use of the manual pump.
I have had this installed for three years or more without problems.
"Hot Wash"
I found a couple of these in an accessory shop about 10 years ago. I'm pretty sure they were called "Hot Wash". They consist of a metal pipe which connects to your existing cooling system. Surrounding the metal pipe is a plastic chamber through which flows your screen washer water. There are little hose connectors to allow the water in and out. The idea is that you wash the screen with hot water! Hopefully the above photo is clear enough to show the idea.
If you know where they are still available, let me know and I'll tell everybody!!
As usual, if you can improve on this or otherwise wish to comment, let me know.
Page updated:- 19 May, 2006