BX 16RS screen washer

[Xen]

My elderly BX 16RS (F reg) has a problem with the front screen washer - the thing keeps clogging up, and nothing comes out . It isn't the little tube that runs up the wiper blade, as i've replaced that. The only thing i've been able to do is keep getting my friend to fire his compressor through it - that sorts it out, but only temporarily.
What can i do to fix it properly? (as my friend is getting a bit fed up of this!)

[Oilyspanner]

Most likely the steel part where the pipe comes through the wiper spindle, I bypass this and let the rubber pipe come through one of the slots in the scuttle, tidy it up using a couple of small cable ties.

[mat_fenwick]

You can run a drill bit through the spindle to remove any rust; I agree that that's likely to be the problem.

[rutter123]

check that you havent got the green slime growing in any part of the workings causing blockages, i have seen this before, worth replacing all the rubber tube for what it costs.

[Xen]

Thankyou all very much! We will try and have a go at some of these at the weekend - please wish me luck

[citsncycles]

Good Luck

[Tim Leech]

As I dont use my BX's in rain (or dirt) I always have this problem come MOT time and it is the hole spindle that gums up with rust and Sh*t. As Mat says get a thin drill but be careful not to snap it off or drill too far (not that Ive done anything like that of course)

[mds141]

Would it be possible to oversize the spindle slightly and re- sleeve it with plastic sheafing?

[Tinkley]

I've used a guitar string for clearing it out before now. It's more flexible than a drill and a wound one (I think the G string works) definitely helps remove debris. A thin strimmer line might also fit or thick fishing line.

Mmmmm BX and a G string.....

[Way2go]

You can run a drill bit through the spindle to remove any rust; I agree that that's likely to be the problem.

That was my solution and it's been fine for years now! (still have to periodically poke a thin wire through the spray bar and its orifices though )

[mat_fenwick]

Mmmmm BX and a G string.....

Is that bringing back fond memories?

Mark, you might just be able to sleeve it but moisture would likely still get between the sleeve and the spindle, and corrosion would continue. Now a shiny stainless steel replacement spindle would do nicely...

That said I think I've only had to clear it out once during 130k miles of BX driving so I haven't experienced the problem as badly as some have. I wonder whether screenwash contains any corrosion inhibitors? If so then using plain water in summer may contribute to the problem

[citronut]

(I think the G string works)

you havent tried a thong yet then

i have a stiff length of wire with serrations up it for clearing out the metal tube in the spindle,

mind you pull the feed pipe off the bottom end first, otherwise you just push the rust and dirt down into the pipe

regards malcolm

[Xen]

The tiny drill bit worked (Yes!!!) - Thankyou very much, i'm so grateful for the helpful ideas here.