Windshield fluid spraying onto engine!?

snelson · Post by **snelson** » 10 Feb 2013, 16:43

Hi guys, I know this is a minor issue, but not sure if I need to replace a valve or just clean it out.
I noticed my passenger side sprayer on the hood was a little weak, as well, I don't get anything spraying on the headlights.
I popped the hood up and gave the sprayer a blast, turns out fluid is shooting out the bottom of the hood onto the engine.
There a little L valve from the hose to the actual nozzle on the hood, and the washer fluid is just shooting out the bottom. Looks pretty funny.
Here's a picture - so can I clean this valve out or do I need to replace it with a generic L valve from a auto parts store?
It also appears the same thing is happening with a similar valve at one of the headlights
Thanks so much
Steve
Sprayer valve under hood

Post by **bskeels** » 10 Feb 2013, 17:12

That is a check valve that has gone bad. You can find them at IPD, or FCP, or Volvo. You could replace with a "L" from the local store, but these hold the pressure so fluid is there and ready.

snelson · Post by **snelson** » 10 Feb 2013, 17:26

Ahhh right, that makes sense, wasn't sure the purpose of the valve inside....thanks for the reply, looks like both failed, the one on the hood and the one for the headlights, thanks for the details. Will see what I can find tomorrow.
Steve

difflock54 · Post by **difflock54** » 10 Feb 2013, 18:08

Looked on my V40 which is set up a bit differently. (my hood liner is missing so all easily seen)
Sh has a single 'T' non return valve mounted centrally with a short hose each side to the hood sprayers.
The single hose to bottom is supplying water from the washer reservoir / pump unit.
Aging and / or heat from engine has probably caused a hairline split in the plastic valve itself or the slip on hosing is splitting slightly allowing a leak under pressure.
The valve is to avoid air locks in the system and to ensure instant water supply to each sprayer.

Rocky · Post by **Rocky** » 10 Feb 2013, 20:59

Btw you don't want anti freeze type washer fluid spraying inside the engine bay.
It's flammable.

Post by **alschnertz** » 11 Feb 2013, 16:39

Rocky wrote:Btw you don't want anti freeze type washer fluid spraying inside the engine bay.
It's flammable.

Huh?
Never heard that before. What gives?

Post by **jblackburn** » 11 Feb 2013, 21:20

There's methanol in it!

What do you think prevents it from freezing? Yep, alcohol will do the trick!

Post by **alschnertz** » 12 Feb 2013, 15:57

Hmmm. Sounds like it's time for an experiment.

Post by **abscate** » 19 Feb 2013, 02:43

It's about 30 percent methanol in water. I think it will be tough to ignite that mix under hood, even on a hot exhaust manifold. Still, I wouldn't want it spraying all underneath, either.