Leaving a mess after every use.....

H

HyperGrade

Member
 Peterborough
Hi Guys,

Anyone seen this? I've done a quick search but it's not come up with anything obvious - 'leak' brings up a lot of responses. :)
This happens when I've used the windscreen washers at any point during the journey BUT only leaks out after I switch off the engine.
Thoughts?
35631721570_712f74d7c6_c.jpgUntitled by RJD450, on Flickr
 
My first thought would be an inline one way valve somewhere between the bottle and the nozzle?
On older cars there was a black inline valve under the bonnet, but where modern day ones are located I really don't know.
 
Ok, sounds like an good idea. My frustration is that it's every time, so there must be an issue somewhere with the system pressure. Why would it be fine during usage (sprays are all even and strong), then there's nothing until you switch off. Very strange.
 
That's because the one valve is partially doing what it should do, let water go from the bottle to the jets, when you stop the washer motor the ball bearing in the valve should then stop any water pressure dribbling out. It's a simple system, perhaps yours has crud or corrosion in the valve. My guess is, if you look under the bonnet and just trace back the black pipes you'll stumble across the valve(s). Could always call BMW and ask if they're a separate item that can be ordered?
 
I'd wager that only when the car stops does the heat from the engine further heats the washer pipes given the then lack of cooling air, expands the water and causes it to dribble out. Same result if the reservoir filler cap is sealed and heat expands the reservoir tank water

I'm not aware of nor did I ever see any one way valve in my washer system and there is no residual pressure in it when not in use
 
Fox889 said:
That's because the one valve is partially doing what it should do, let water go from the bottle to the jets, when you stop the washer motor the ball bearing in the valve should then stop any water pressure dribbling out. It's a simple system, perhaps yours has crud or corrosion in the valve. My guess is, if you look under the bonnet and just trace back the black pipes you'll stumble across the valve(s). Could always call BMW and ask if they're a separate item that can be ordered?
Click to expand...

ah, sorry I thought you were assuming there were one-way valves. I didn't know there actually were such things on the system, but I guess it makes sense. Will follow the lines and check all the points for any obvious indicators. Cheers! :thumbsup:
 
cj10jeeper said:
I'd wager that only when the car stops does the heat from the engine further heats the washer pipes given the then lack of cooling air, expands the water and causes it to dribble out. Same result if the reservoir filler cap is sealed and heat expands the reservoir tank water

I'm not aware of nor did I ever see any one way valve in my washer system and there is no residual pressure in it when not in use
Click to expand...

The heat idea's a good one. Either way I need to take a look at all connections for anything obvious.
 
If your washer fluid has a very high alcohol content could it not be acting in the same way as an alcohol filled thermometer as cj10jeeper suggests? You could try a higher percentage of water in your bottle and see if it solves the problem.
 
bladeowner said:
If your washer fluid has a very high alcohol content could it not be acting in the same way as an alcohol filled thermometer as cj10jeeper suggests? You could try a higher percentage of water in your bottle and see if it solves the problem.
Click to expand...

Oooh, very technical and a good thought! It's very rich, it's still what was in there when I bought the car a month ago. You can see how dark it is. Hmm, maybe something to try before I mess about with anything! Thanks.
 
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