Washer part

[Alan W]

My nearside windscreen washer wasn't working and the usual needle unblocking technique failed to work so I popped the bonnet and as I lifted it I saw water running out from behind the under-bonnet insulation panel. Having just had the bonnet repainted I just thought that maybe the garage had not put the washer feed pipe back on properly and it had slipped off.

Anyway, I unfastened one side of the insulation to take a peek and found that the feed pipe was connected to the item pictured below which was itself connected directly to the washer jet unit. Nothing apparently amiss so I got a friend to turn on the washers and water shot out of the tiny black hole you can see in the picture?? I'm guessing that the unit is some kind of non-return valve or filter so I popped it off and couldn't blow through it either direction so its clearly cattled but still can't work out why water would be squirting out of this hole?

Anyway, all I really want to know is what the unit is or what purpose it serves as I have now bypassed it and the washer works fine?

[sirius-c]

It's a non return valve

[Robert T]

Probably not worth trying to clean or fix it - they are currently £1.93 + VAT from BMMiniParts or £2.75 + VAT from your local BMW dealer!

Cheers R.

[Alan W]

Excellent chaps well done!!! Thank you

[Robz3sport]

These valves are now £6 each on eBay.........

[siwilson]

Without that non-return valve the washer fluid will gradually drain back into the reservoir. This means the next time you need the washer it will take a while to come through. The valve also allows the pump to build up some pressure before it opens so you get a good jet out of the nozzles.

Worth replacing IMO.

[BladeRunner919]

These valves are now £6 each on eBay.........

And probably still £2.75 from the dealer. Just because it's on ebay, doesn't mean it's a bargain.

[Robz3sport]

And probably still £2.75 from the dealer. Just because it's on ebay, doesn't mean it's a bargain.[/quote]

True......!