Infiniti Q45 washer nozzle jet preventive maintenance

[tangalora]

My 1990 Q45 windshield washer 2-jet nozzles constantly clog.

Before I begin dissassembly, I'd like to ask the re-engineering preventive-repair question:Q: Does widening the jets work as a preventive repair?

I have not found anyone who tried that approach (yet).

[tangalora]

The first place I looked was the 1990 Infiniti Q45 factory shop manual (FSM).Other than minor owners-manual-style wording on the washers on pagesMA-7 and MA-8, the closest I can find in the FSM is a short reference on page EL-89 titled "Washer Nozzle Adjustment" solely related to adjusting the stream of washer fluid.

The FSM merely states on this page (verbatim):

• Using Tool J36126, adjust windshield washer nozzle to correct its spray pattern.
• Before attempting to turn the nozzle, gently tap the end of Tool to free the nozzle.
• This will prevent "rounding out" the small female square in the center of the nozzle.

Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, there is nothing in the FSM regarding how to periodically unclog (or prevent future clogs) the Q45 windshield washer nozzle.

The only other related references, I can find in the FSM, are the front wiper and washer wiring diagram on FSM page EL-86; and a description of how to remove the windshield at FSM page BF-150.

[tangalora]

Searching NICO, I find:

• NICO Forums > Online Mechanic > Infiniti Online Mechanic > Blockage in Windshield Washer Sprayer
• NICO Forums > Car Specific > 240SX and Silvia (200SX) > Technical > Windshield washer nozzle clogged?
• NICO Forums > Car Specific > 240SX and Silvia (200SX) > Technical > wiper do not sprinkle any water

Based on those threads, basic NICO suggestions seem to periodically unclog, i.e.:

• Periodically unclog with a welder's set of graduated tip cleaners
• Periodically unclog with a toothpick
• Periodically unclog with a wire
• Periodically unclog with a pin
• Periodically unclog with a tac
• Periodically unclog with a needle
• Periodically unclog with a Craftsman dentist pic
• Periodically unclog with a syringe (sans needle)
• Periodically unclog with an air compressor

[tangalora]

A basic GOOGLE web search (http://www.google.com) finds some decent articles, e.g.:[*] http://www.advanceautoparts.co...w.htm[*] http://www.swedishbricks.net/7....html

A basic GOOGLE GROUPS (groups.google.com) search finds certain cars apparently most affected:

• rec.autos > 1992-03-16 > clogged windshield washer
• rec.autos.tech > 2002-12-08 > Replacing a windshield washer nozzle w/ one that SPRAYS RIGHT
• alt.autos.nissan > 2000/02/04 > Windshield Washer
• alt.autos.nissan.maxima > 2000/01/21 > Maxima windshield washer nozzle upgradeable?
• alt.autos.toyota > 1998/05/28 > anybody had trouble with thier wiperfluid sprayer plugged
• alt.autos.volvo > 2003-01-09 > 740 windshield fluid nozzles clogged, AGAIN?
• rec.autos.makers.saturn > 1999/01/26 > Dribbling washer fluid
• rec.autos.makers.saturn > 1999/11/24 > Windshield washer won't

Additional GOOGLE unclogging answers (over that of NICO) seem to be:

• Unclog by placing in an ultrasonic-cleaner with vinegar & drops of dishwasher liquid for ...10 minutes each side then rinse & spray with teflon oil before putting the nozzle ...back in the hood.
• Unclog with a heated pin (to remove ice clogs)
• Unclog with a bent common office staple (just the right size)
• Unclog with a hatpin
• Unclog with a twist tie from a breadbag or garbage bag
• Unclog with a paper clip or jeweler's screwdriver (way too big for most)
• Unclog with a reverse flush with a garden hose (two or three minutes)
• Unclog by operating the washer in reverse (tube over output of washer nozzle)
• Unclog by squirting a soapy solution thru the nozzles
• Unclog by replacing with new nozzles (mostly Infiniti & Nissan)
• Prevent by not waxing the nozzles when you wax the car
• Prevent by adding a clear plastic in-line gasoline filter to the washer hoses
• Prevent using Volvo 850 in-line washer fluid filter part number 3538564-0
• Prevent by adding a washer fluid filter from ITD (claims to end clogs forever)
• Prevent by adding a lawn-mower gas filter as your washer fluid filter
• Prevent by flushing out & cleaning the washer fluid reservoir
• Prevent by using an algacide to clear out algae in the fluid
• Diagnose by checking hoses for kinks, pinholes, clogs, or disconnections
• Diagnose by checking fluid levels, the pump, the wiring, and the switches
• Diagnose by checking the check valve in the piping between the washer pump & the jets

Of these suggestions, the only preventives seem to be to use certain washer fluids and to add an in-line washer fluid filter.

However, given the specific list of afflicted autos (from GOOGLE posts) seems to be:

• 1990 Infiniti Q45
• xxxx Infiniti G20
• 1998 Nissan Altima
• 1989 Nissan Maxima
• 1991 Nissan Maxima
• 1995 Nissan Maxima
• 2000 Nissan Maxima
• 1986 Toyota Celica GT
• 1990 Toyota Corolla
• 1987 Volvo 740
• 1988 Volvo 740
• xxxx Volvo 760
• xxxx Volvo 940T Wagon
• 1994 Saturn SL1
• 1992 Saturn SL2

I suspect a post-engineering fix might possibly improve the reliability of water delivery.

[Rex]

Few ?'s

• Won't widening the openings change the spray pattern/distance?
• Are you thinking slot or just bigger diameter?
• What's cause the clog?
• Have you tried cleaning out the reservoir?
• Do you think the hose has dried and is starting to "flow out"?
• Is it possible it's something in the windshield cleaner you use?

Good luck.

<I seem to be cleaning mine of wax/polish all the time>

[elwesso]

Allow me to clear some stuff up.....

First off, to adjust the nozzles the best thing to use is a tac.... They fit right in, and if you get the kind with the little plastic handle its very easy to move them around.... In fact, I found out they spray far enough to spray the car behind you.... Ill be having some fun this summer!!

I flushed my winshield washer fluid... Keep running it until it gets really low.. Then add water.... Keep spraying and spraying for a while and then add good washer fluid... It will get rid of a lot of the crap in the bottom..... I got some occasional clogging, and I found that most of the time I can just blow on them and spray and it will be fine....

I suppose the other alternative would be to fill up the res to the brim and stick a hose down there do pump out all that stuff... The washer fluid res is under the battery (I think) and you could maybe take it out and clean it good.....

HAHA WASHER FLUID FILTER!!! that had me rollin!!! if you get it cleaned out good, leave the filter on thats at the fill point and only use washer fluid, there is no need for that....

[maxnix]

Few ?'s

• Won't widening the openings change the spray pattern/distance?
• Are you thinking slot or just bigger diameter?
• What's cause the clog?
• Have you tried cleaning out the reservoir?
• Do you think the hose has dried and is starting to "flow out"?
• Is it possible it's something in the windshield cleaner you use?

Good luck.

<I seem to be cleaning mine of wax/polish all the time>

To Rex's excellent suggestions I would recommend cleaning or replacing the hoses from the pump to the nozzles. Some cars even allow disassembly of the nozzles after removal from the car.

Do not waller out the nozzles!

[AZhitman]

Waller? gotta go look that one up... In AL, it means 'to roll in the dirt/mud".

Anyway, I can't BELIEVE no one mentioned the most OBVIOUS solution: Flush the washer reservoir with vinegar/fresh water and then use distilled water ONLY in your washer system!

Besides, no self-respecting Q owner would use their winnshield wipers to clean their windshield - Wash it and use Rain-X!

[Rex]

AZ - Up here north of the Mason Dixon line, we can't use just water, even if it came from di-still .

[tangalora]

Quote »Won't widening the openings change the spray pattern/distance?[/quote]Dunno. I suspect it could ruin the whole spray dynamic ... that's why I'm askin' the question first.

Quote »Are you thinking slot or just bigger diameter?[/quote]Yup. Bigger. I figure sumphin' is clogging those spray jets; maybe it's mineral deposits; maybe it's algae; maybe it's a special kind of crud. Maybe it's one of those socks I can never find.I was 'jes wonderin' if a bigger jet would clog less often.

Quote »What's the cause of the clog?[/quote]Ah, the million-dollar question. If I knew that ...

I dunno' the cause of the clot. I do see green/blue stuff caked on the input screen on the top of the washer fluid filler reservoir. Maybe it's the same stuff (whatever that green/blue stuff is). Green usually means copper. But, copper what? And copper why? If it's a copper salt of some sort, then what's a good anti-copper salt? For what it may be worth, the stuff on the jets seems to be whitish calcium-ish stuff (no detailed analysis ... just a pooh bear guess).

I just noticed another append about flushing with a solution of vinnegar. It's been a long time (don't ask) since I took chem 101. I don't know what acetic acid + copper-whatever (let's assume copper-sulphate for kicks) would do. I do remember if you neutralize an acid & a base, you get a salt (which isn't what I want); but then again, we're flushing this with LOTS of water. The good news is that vinnegar is cheap. I like cheap. Especially when it's being flushed down the drain, so to speak. I lost my organic books long ago (probably on purpose, I don't remember a thing from the long nights studying). I will look that one up on the Internet.

Quote »Have you tried cleaning out the reservoir?[/quote]Nope. Good idea though. If. If it's due to crud, then reservoir crud is a good place to look. But. If it's due to mineralization of some sort, I don't think cleanin' out the tank will do a bit of good. Then again. It can't hurt. Plus, I'll be able to document for others how to remove & clean the tank

Quote »Do you think the hose has dried and is starting to "flow out"?[/quote]Ummmm... huh ... yea ... uh ... maybe ... ah, ... naaah. I do not see any evidence of leakage around the hose. At the moment, the passenger side sprays OK while the driver side merely dribbles like an adolescent boy watching Spanish TV with the sound turned off. However, after having repeatedly pin'd' both nozzles in the past, either side seems to clog as much as the other. I really think it's all in the jets (whatever 'it' is).

Quote »Is it possible it's something in the windshield cleaner you use?[/quote]Most definately. Especially since I see that green/blue stuff on the filler screen and that white stuff on the jets. I buy 'el cheapo blue gallons at the local supermarket typically. Sometimes (summer), I use plain ole' double-H-O from the tap. I guess the distilled variety might be 'more better, but, that's what I use. The FSM isn't picky (page MA-8 says "Windshield Washer Fluid: Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank". That's it. The MA-9, recommended fluids doesn't cover the washer fluid. The maintenance section doesn't cover washer fluid either.

Quote »I flushed my windshield washer fluid[/quote] A very good idea. I flush also. I always wondered [color]how long a washer motor should be run before it overheats[/color] (it takes a few minutes to empty out the reservoir). When I'm in the mood (once a year or two), I stick a garden hose into the reservoir with the pressure set low and I spray and spray and spray and spray until the driveway is soaked.

The clog returns within months, nonetheless; so, whatever I've been doing is either wrong, ineffective, or both.

Quote »no self-respecting Q owner would use their windshield wipers to clean their windshield - Wash it and use Rain-X![/quote]Good suggestion (about the rain-x). Rain-x wasn't yet covered. I tried it a few times in the past on my 280Z & 300Z. It worked. Doesn't keep ice much at bay; but, works well under some conditions (but not all). Rain-x might be the temporary workaround (while the jets are clogged), but, I kinda' like understanding the problem and (with help from NICO) solving the problem, once and for all (like we did for the fuel-pump controller redesign, the sunvisor reengineering, & the brake-rotor rotation problems).

I will (probably next weekend) take the nozzles apart for a look'see. The FSM is no help for a R&R&R (removal, repair, replace). For example, the phantom diagram on the '90 FSM on page BF-7 shows a drawing of all hood components except that garnish & the windshield washer nozzles & hoses.So, I'm on my own (with NICO help).

May I ask:Q: Do I remove the two washer nozzles by first removing the under hood insulating garnish?

Q: Or, can I unscrew or unclip the washer nozzles from the outside (top) of the hood?

[Chally]

What blocks the washers is Scum from dirty water & bacteria breeding.I found that when I use a washer additive, it not only helps keep the nozzles clean & clear, it also stops the algie building up in the reservoir.

The only way to be sure they don't clog again, is to take out the washer tank & clean it thorouly & as suggested above, use a cleaner & flush it through the washer system & it should then keep clear.

NB. Taking the nozzles off won't remedy the problem. If they are blocked, use an air gun to blow it Back to the reservoir before you take the reservoir off.

[elwesso]

I agree.... Taking off the nozzles wont do any good.... You want to help the source of the problem....

If you dont clean everything out by flushing it a few times with clean water, then its time for removal... I'll take a look at how its setup and see if I cant come up with a step by step!

[QUOTE]Besides, no self-respecting Q owner would use their winnshield wipers to clean their windshield - Wash it and use Rain-X![\QUOTE]

YOU DONT LIVE IN THE SALT BELT!!! I am washing my Q for the first time in 2 weeks, only to have it get dirty tomorrow.... WHY?? BECAUSE ITS ABOVE FREEZING.....!

[DrewQ45]

Boil the nozzle for a few minutes. That cleans everything out.

[AZhitman]

I can't believe there's a threafd this long on washer nozzle maintenance. We really ARE nerds, aren't we?

p.s. Great stuff, Tangalora!

[elwesso]

Some of us are beyond Nerds!!! I think I am categorized as a FREAK....

Who reads the FSM when they get bored???

[AZhitman]

I have a copy in my bathroom...

[DrewQ45]

DrewQ45 <----- has yet to lay eyes on an FSM...sigh

[elwesso]

Drew! I had a 90 Q45 FSM that I sold to someone a while back ago...

I can hook you up with a 94 on CD, gratis.... email me

[nuQ]

we have to all face it,,,,,,,,we ARE nerds!!!! i was on a date a week ago, and she brought up that she needed tires, told her about some of the stuff i learned on NICO about tires,,,,,,,she looked at me kinda funny, and said "wow, that's a little geeky"! LOL it all worked out OK though, you'll all be happy to hear!!! LOL and yes,,,,i do read my FSM when i'm bored!

[Q451990]

My girlfriend learned early on in our relationship that "what are you thinking about" could easily yield a very one sided discussion on the function of an EGR valve, and speculation on how it was functioning while I was driving over to her place...

Heath

[AZhitman]

LOL - My wife just shakes her head and says, "That damn car..."

Mission Accomplished.

[3Q Jay]

after 3 1/2 months with the active, this finally got solved today. i had really bad blockage, the best i had ever had the sprayers do was send out some splooge on the drivers side.tried the good suggestions here: push pin [tac]--this does work great for adjusting the nozzle direction, but couldnt get the blockage cleared.

tried reverse air pressure, couldn't get my plastic head into the small nacelles for the jets.

tried forward air pressure, went up to 80 psi, still nothing.

did run for a long time with the hoses disconnected from the nozzles: got major stinky water out, lotsa flotilla in about the first quart. then more stinky water but no big chunks. ran till 'low washer', filled with distilled, ran again, and at least had good stream, nice& clean.

....but no spray when i connected.

So i decided to pull 'em out and see what could be done. not having an utrasonic cleaner , I tried the suggestion below:

Boil the nozzle for a few minutes. That cleans everything out.

with some vinegar in the water [dunno if essential or not], the soft agitation from the boiling bubbles seemed to finally do it. after multiple boilings, paper clip in the large end, blowing, and a very fine strand of wire, they now work great.

[driverdriver]

A close friend of mine who works in the used car business, uses undiluted rubbing alcohol (the cheap stuff one would find at a walmart)to clean, clear and rehabilitate both the windshield and headlight washer jets on the Lexus, Land Rover, Mercedes and Volvo vehicles he gets in. It seems to work.

[maxnix]

The vinegar works (acetic acid) because most deposits are from hard water (carbonates) and chlorine's interaction with heavey metals (salts). Boiling hastens the dissolution of the deposits.

[DrewQ45]

"Quote, originally posted by DrewQ45 » Boil the nozzle for a few minutes. That cleans everything out.

with some vinegar in the water [dunno if essential or not], the soft agitation from the boiling bubbles seemed to finally do it. after multiple boilings, paper clip in the large end, blowing, and a very fine strand of wire, they now work great."

It's not so much the agitation as the fact that the boiling water breaks down/dissolves the sediments that cause the clog. Old trick I learned back in the 80's.... Glad you're spraying again!

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