Where is the windshield washer (fluid) switch?

[etype74]

Hello all. I just bought a nicely maintained 1973 280SEL 4.5, and for the life of me, I can't figure out how to activate the fluid washer pump for the windshield. I scoured my owners manual but couldn't find it. How the heck do I activate the wash? I'm afraid my wiper stalk on the left side of the wheel might be missing something, as it seems like it should be there with the rest of the wiper controls...

Thanks much.

[marcedesbenz]

My 72 se is a mechanical footpump on the floorboard up to the left of the brake pedal. Doesnt have a pump. Also has a switch for the wiper. Pretty cool device. Maybe yours is the same.

[JiveTurkey]

You should have a little half moon shaped pedal with what look like goosebumps on it, it will be far up on the floor board, check under the floor mat. Don't be too underwhelmed if it doesn't produce spectacular mind-blowingly clean results should the stream of fluid emerge at all. If it does squirt out from the hood-nipples be prepared to adjust your aim via pedal pressure.

[meltedpanda]

yes a manual system , often discarded because the boot leaks.

[etype74]

Originally Posted by JiveTurkey

You should have a little half moon shaped pedal with what look like goosebumps on it, it will be far up on the floor board, check under the floor mat. Don't be too underwhelmed if it doesn't produce spectacular mind-blowingly clean results should the stream of fluid emerge at all. If it does squirt out from the hood-nipples be prepared to adjust your aim via pedal pressure.

Ah ha! I found it, but previously thought it was an early version of interval wipers! No fluid comes out when I press on it, so I thought it was just some sort of interval wiper switch. I guess I'll find and sort out the fluid pump. Thanks for the info.

[79Mercy]

Is the washer fluid tank still under the hood.

My PO removed the tank and threw it away because water got on his feet when he pressed the pedal, turns out the connection was loose and the pump was fine.

[Tomguy]

Originally Posted by etype74

No fluid comes out when I press on it

On mine, if it hasn't been used in a while, I need to pump it 2 or 3 times. Remember, it's a manual foot pump, did you try pumping it or just a press-and-hold?

[JiveTurkey]

Any time man.

[etype74]

Originally Posted by Tomguy

On mine, if it hasn't been used in a while, I need to pump it 2 or 3 times. Remember, it's a manual foot pump, did you try pumping it or just a press-and-hold?

Oh right, I just pressed it and held thinking it was an electric pump. I'll go try it again but it's well below freezing right now and if there's any plain water still in the lines it will likely not work anyway. I'll report back and thanks guys.

[etype74]

well i pumped my foot like crazy but nothing came out.. so will investigate the line for blockage (like ice or something).

[meltedpanda]

I suspect a hole in the rubber diaphram

[230/8]

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

I suspect a hole in the rubber diaphram

Some folks have used athletic "shoe glue" to repair this fairly common problem with the old bellows pumps. Another alternative might be a tube of silicone gasket material.

[Larry Delor]

Crud builds up inside the bulb - might wanna take it out (8 or 10mm I think) and clean it out really well. I think there is a little plastic valve in there that can become groady.
Also make sure your lines are clear...if the jets are plugged and you press too hard, you could bust something.

[rhariz21]

where can i get a new foot pedal for the window washer. mine ripped. i have a 1973 280se

[Ziad]

I've got some good used ones, maybe one or two new.

EmaIl me whoever needs:

4HQ1@MSN.COM