1956 Cadillac Windshield Washer Problem-Help needed

[johnregrus]

I need some advice.

My 56 Cadillac is on its way to the Grand Nationals and the only thing I can't seem to fix is the windshield washers. It will not spray washer fluid onto the windshield.
I see air bubbles in the washer jar when I press the washer button on the dash. The washer jar and lid is new old stock and has never been installed on a car.

What do you think could be wrong?  Thanks for any help you could provide.

[J. Gomez]

I need some advice.

My 56 Cadillac is on its way to the Grand Nationals and the only thing I can't seem to fix is the windshield washers. It will not spray washer fluid onto the windshield.
I see air bubbles in the washer jar when I press the washer button on the dash. The washer jar and lid is new old stock and has never been installed on a car.

What do you think could be wrong?  Thanks for any help you could provide.

John,

Is the fluid line or the nozzles block?  If you disconnect the fluid supply line from the pump, do you see fluid squirting out from the pump?

The pump itself has a very low pressure so a blockage on either it or the line could revert the fluid back into the bottle.   

Good luck..! 

[Roger Zimmermann]

I bet that it's the vacuum seal which is not sealing properly in the large cylinder (see the arrow). Remove the plunger and have a look at this rubber seal. Maybe with massage and silicone past you can make it good again.
The washer system on the picture is not exactly what you have: this is a Continental Mark II washer, similar to the 1955 Cadillac system. The vacuum part is identical to yours.

[carguyblack]

Roger,
Weren't you the one that also suggested years ago that the vacuum junction (on the firewall)  diaphragm gasket might be another source of failure in these systems? Maybe John's visual symptoms are different than mine were.
Chuck

[Roger Zimmermann]

Yes, it was me. However, if the vacuum manifold is not functioning properly, it does not deter the windshield washer.