I use way too much washer fluid - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

LandYaghtLover · #1 01-23-2012, 08:00 PM

How long does a gallon last you? For me a day. Today half way to work I filled up an empty tank. Holds one gallon exactly. Used it a little the rest of the way. One the way home I actually went out of town. Roads were bad. When I got home the low fluid level was already on. I did have my lights on, so all nozzles were operating.

Just seems like its using too much. If I do not use the system, it stays at level for days. So its not a leak issue. Seems like the headlight wipers are using twice as much as the windshield wipers.

ps2cho · #2 01-23-2012, 10:10 PM

I still think you have a leak. I top mine up maybe once every 6 months if that.

LandYaghtLover · #3 01-23-2012, 10:15 PM

With my Lincoln, that would be normal too. Loved that it also took a full gallon. I thought I had a leak too. But I never find any fluid dripping and like I said, level stays the same for days on end without use. Also, the tank is newer. I think the PO replaced it. Nice clean plastic.

ashedd · #4 01-23-2012, 10:21 PM

you may have a leak in the line somewhere and your just dumping fluid overboard when you wipe.

LandYaghtLover · #5 01-23-2012, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashedd

you may have a leak in the line somewhere and your just dumping fluid overboard when you wipe.

Could be. Maybe I will run them for a bit with the car stationary and see if I have a leak behind the headlight wipers or under the insides of the hood.

Hit Man X · #6 01-24-2012, 11:03 AM

You have a leak.

Just because you have a new tank does not mean a thing. If the motors have never been replaced, they cause leaks too. They can separate internally due to lack of use (rust).

My 300SEL would leak too, but guess what... you could not see the leak as it was so slow and hidden. Buy new motors and tank seals, then see how little you use.

compu_85 · #7 01-24-2012, 11:33 AM

I had leaks around where the heater tubes went into the tank.

-J

Two560Two · #8 01-24-2012, 06:15 PM

when you would use your washers, would your park lamps or headlamps be on? You use more fluid when the lights are on since the headlamp washers come on the same times as the windshield washers.

LandYaghtLover · #9 01-24-2012, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

I had leaks around where the heater tubes went into the tank.

-J

Really? Mine go in from above. No way to leak there on mine.

LandYaghtLover · #10 01-24-2012, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

You have a leak.

Just because you have a new tank does not mean a thing. If the motors have never been replaced, they cause leaks too. They can separate internally due to lack of use (rust).

My 300SEL would leak too, but guess what... you could not see the leak as it was so slow and hidden. Buy new motors and tank seals, then see how little you use.

If it was a slow leak, I would not have usage issue though. And the motors are new too. Thought they may come with tank. I bet the PO had the same issue, hence the new tank.

I am thinking its a line/nozzle leak. If I dont use it, I dont loose fluid. When I do use it, it goes QUICK!

compu_85 · #11 01-24-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover

Really? Mine go in from above. No way to leak there on mine.

Mine do too, but the fluid sloshes when you turn

-J

Gilly · #12 01-24-2012, 07:12 PM

Yeah just watch the washers in operation. If it has a line off you will see the puddle under the bumper, and probably one won't be spraying at all. A line probably came off. Also there should be check valves on th elines, if they are missing you will have a dribble out of a jet for quite awhile after using the washers.