Poor washer jets sorted

[r159]

In case it’s useful for anyone, I’ve just spent the afternoon buggering about sorting the poor washer jet performance front and back on our 2017 clubman.

The washer bottle had loads of black mould in the bottom, which had blinded the strainer the pump sits in. A fortnight ago I tried siphoning the bottle out which although it dragged out a load of gunk, also I’m pretty sure gave me a dose of the Tom tits.

So today I managed after taking out a load of fastenings (access is a bugger behind the off side wheel arch liner) pull the pump out and strainer, flush the reservoir out and clean the strainer. It’s all good now but I’ve never experienced this problem before. Only thing I can think of is due to the mild winters the last two years we haven’t been bothering with any additives.

[5harp3y]

it's actually quite common, i tend to wash mine out on every new car i get

[blue al]

Mixing types of washer fluids can also lead to gunking up

I always use the vw concentrate solution, which at low dilutions will work at near artic temperatures

[paultownsend]

Indeed. People always scoff at these threads, but it can be an issue. I always run the first tank down and flush with water. I too have always used VW concentrate. Now in my Volvo and my wife’s F56 MCS. But I know the BMW stuff is good.
VW seems expensive but a bottle lasts a year. 200ml for 5 litres and won’t freeze.
I just fill up and put a post it note on the filler during service time so it’s not mixed.

Edited by paultownsend on Sunday 29th March 10:46