Unblocking wahser jets and keeping them unblocked

Hermy

Has anyone any suggestions for keeping windscreen washer jets unblocked?
Mine have been blocking up for a while now and all I've been doing till now is sticking a pin in to each jet to clear them which helps for a while but isn't solving the problem.
It's an Opel Vivaro so removing the jets and accessing the pipes is a bit awkward. I'm wondering is there something I can add to the mix to clear the lines and keep them clear?

Any help gratefully appreciated.

ShatterProof

Connect an air hose to them under the bonnet and blow the dirt out of them

Hermy

Thanks shatterproof but I can't access them under the bonnet. The jets and piping are stuck inside the plastic section that holds the base of the windscreen in place.
I suppose what I really want to know is what is causing the blockage and how to treat that.

gofaster_s13

ShatterProof wrote: »

Connect an air hose to them under the bonnet and blow the dirt out of them

It should be done from the other side, ie air pressure into the jet and blow out through the hose other wise you are in danger of jamming the obstruction further into the washer jet nozzle.

ShatterProof

Follow the hose going into the jets. Where it connects to water bottle might be more accessible . Disconnect it there and try.

Ali Babba

And don't use washing up liquid in the washer bottle, it's the biggest cause of blocking the jets. New jets aren't that expensive anyway if cleaning them doesn't work.

Esel

Are you topping up with hard water? If so, that might be the cause. Try Calgon!

johndaman66

Opels are notorious for this. Had the problem with a Vectra and cousin had same problem with an Astra. Seen other Opel owners on boards with same problem also. Cleaning with an air gun seemes to only work sometimes/ half work/ not do much really other times. I used to be of the opinion that the main reason for the problem in the Vectra was because the bottle was so bloody low behind the bumper but could be wrong on that. Used to wonder was it possible to get a stronger motor but never went to the trouble of checking either when I had the Vectra

hi5

Had the same problem in a c class merc,until I realised the nozels were heated.
Started using rain water and the problem was solved no, more lime build up.

GTE

esel wrote: »

Are you topping up with hard water? If so, that might be the cause. Try Calgon!

Damn! Snap!

corktina

i have often found jets to be blocked due to too much addiitive...it foams up and the pump then just compresses it rather than pump it.clean out the reservoir and add only a little additive (if any)

batman2000

really, I have hard water and there is white scale build up....You sure you can use calgon in the washer tank???

GTE

Well not a full tablet. They are meant to be used in full washing machines.

If you can find some kettle de-scaler fluid and then work out the concentration needed for your water tank. Its probably bigger then a kettle so you can bung a thing of that in and see what happens =D

Hermy

Thanks for the continued responses.
I think corktina has hit the nail on the head as the blocking of the jets happens mostly after I've let the resevoir run dry.
So next time the resevoir needs refilling I'll have a go at flushing it out as I think there may be a build up of crap in the bottom of it.

Esel

batman2000 wrote: »

really, I have hard water and there is white scale build up....You sure you can use calgon in the washer tank???

My post was is jest, but, as bbk said, you could try using a small amount of Calgon (or equivalent). I'd check Wikipedia or google limescale removal first, though - you might find a cheaper/easier alternative.

batman2000

this http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-clean-windscreen-washer-jets

Although failry dumbed down and OTT

I do have a question... I have a 2005 A3, can the jets be repalced with the Skoda VW fan like washer jets (they fill the whjole windscreen) as opposed to the dual water

I did find this