windshield washer bottle leaks fluid

[cutter57]

Hi. I actually did a search before posting this. I found a lot about air leakage, but not fluid leakage. I solved my air leakage with a new valve in the valve stem. I have 3 washer bottles, and at least 2 leak fine jets of fluid from the seam where the two halves come together. My current bottle just started leaking recently. I have not been able to find new bottles that are identical, and I do not want to mount one inside the fender, electric or not. I want the original setup, inferior as it is.

My question is this: Has anyone found a way to stop this leakage, using seam sealer or glue? I am trying to find the best, and longest lasting, repair for this. Thanx in advance
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the enemy of good is better.

[bluebus86]

[mukluk]

You're fighting a losing battle against time and aging plastic, eventually it'll become brittle as an eggshell. Your options to stay with the original setup are to use the glue as suggested, but it'll just crack or start leaking in another spot before you know it, find another original that's in better shape but with the knowledge it too will crack in due time, settle for an aftermarket that isn't quite right but functional, or work with somebody to try to make an accurate reproduction.
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1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[rcroane]

Do you actually use your windshield washer?
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'65 Sunroof Bug

[Sharp64]

[cutter57]

LOL...yes, mostly when I am behind a vehicle kicking up dirty road water. I don't use my spare tire. I just pump it up to 35 PSI with a bicycle pump, and it has lasted a long time before needing pumped again. I know I could upgrade, but I kinda like the challenge of keeping it as originally done.

So far, I have seen a suggestion of plastic welding, a tempting thought since I'd learn a new skill. Any other ideas?
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the enemy of good is better.

[Cusser]

[glutamodo]

Whenever I've seen a washer bottle that "leaks at the seams" - it's history. Don't think it's worth trying to glue it, or melt it, or whatever, back together, and have it last.
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Andy T.


IMAGE NOTE: It has been noted that Chrome based browsers may have issues in displaying my vast image library, which use non-secure links and are on an FTP server. Images should still be viewable if the link is clicked though.
I do not know how to fix this. All I can say is it all works fine for me with what I use, Firefox.

[1960vw]

as a last resort, try using Elmers brush on contact cement. Comes in a brown bottle with brush on glue. Several coats when tacky.

[glutamodo]

Then when you give it 32PSI for a month or two... and it fails... Sorry not worth the T&E.
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Andy T.


IMAGE NOTE: It has been noted that Chrome based browsers may have issues in displaying my vast image library, which use non-secure links and are on an FTP server. Images should still be viewable if the link is clicked though.
I do not know how to fix this. All I can say is it all works fine for me with what I use, Firefox.

[hitest]

[anthracitedub]

It would be cool to cleverly hide a smaller resivour and pump inside the bottle by splitting it and make it function discretely. I could probably do this if I didn’t have a million other projects going.

[1960vw]

Remember, what didn't work for others might have worked for some! Is a repair not worth ONE try? How much time is needed to try? Hours upon hours? NOT ! Let's talk minutes here. Just trying to inject a little positive in all of the negatives.

[bluebus86]

[56Cabrio]

https://www.flexsealproducts.com/shop/?gclid=Cj0KC...JFEALw_wcB

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1956 Rag Top owned since 1988
1956 Convertible owned since 2000
1963 Hard Top

RIP Dad 4/20/1951 - 2/4/2023

[cutter57]

thanks for all the tips and advice. I agree with accepting a slightly lower pressure. I will look into the flexseal, but I am leaning toward plastic welding. I plan to reinforce the seam all around if that is the only source of the fluid leak. I have 3 old bottles to work with, so I will check all 3 for leaks. As far as air pressure loss, when I checked them before, the filling valve was the culprit on at least 2 of them, if I recall correctly. I have ordered an inexpensive plastic welding kit and it should arrive by Monday (I am sure I already have other uses for it, too). While waiting, I am going to identify any and all leaks in the 3 bottles and have them ready for repair. After some practice on scrap plastic and then my repair, I will post my results when I am done.
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the enemy of good is better.

[jimdubs]

Has anyone tried lining the inside with a resin or inserting some type of bladder to isolate the liquid from the reservoir?

[EMPIImp69]

Get an aftermarket bottle with integrated electric motor like in link below..much better. You can even use one out of a junked car, did that in a bug I had in college, worked well for years.

https://vwparts.aircooled.net/Beetle-Windshield-Washer-Tank-and-Pump-Kit-p/baa955449a.htm
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1963 Ragtop Bug

[AlanInMass54]

Rocky Mountain Motorworks at one time sold a 6V early Beetle windshield washer tank with pump, this was a long time ago of course! Here is an updated version. Electric and no brittle old tank to mess with! http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC-111-989-453

[nreslifer]

Be careful how much air you put in it,I brought one last year at a swap meet took it home pumped some air in (don't know how much) and it exploded.Didn't injure me but it scared the hell out of me though.