TheSamba.com :: View topic - Anybody Every Used a Winshield Washer Pump For Their Sink ??

Wed Aug 19, 2009 7:51 pm

It seems the winshield washer pumps you can buy from the local parts stores for around $10 would have enough pressure to wash your hands and do the dishes in your sink. That seems like a cheap pump instead of the $40-$70 pumps they sell that are too powerful and spray all over the place. What's your thoughts on that?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BTucKbk1HY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhUcwwVY1TQ

Wed Aug 19, 2009 8:50 pm

What - No responses?!?

I've thought about this too, but haven't tried it because the washer pumps all have to be at or below water level, yet are not submersible.

I use (2) 7-gal water containers - one for fresh and one for grey water. I'm not willing to poke a hole near the bottom of my fresh tank to mount one of these pumps. I'd have to go with a small submersible instead.

Actually, I've been thinking about this . . . that hand pump works fine, but it sure would be nice to have both hands available when washing dishes (heck, even just washing your hands!) :-k

- Klauss

Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:54 pm

Even though most of the aftermarket washer pumps require you to mount them below water level, you can still route your hose from the top of your bottle to the pump, but install a bulb (like for cleaning out a baby's nose) on a T connector so you can prime the pump.

In other words, when the pump pushes the water up the tube, it will also fill the bulb. If your tank runs empty, the bulb still has enough water in it to prime the pump.

Thu Aug 20, 2009 5:07 am

I use a check valve in my windshield washer setup just past the pump. This keeps the fluid (provided I don't run the reservoir dry) past the pump and the pump fully primed. The check valve can be found at any fish / aquarium store for around $1.

I've used a few of these pumps in windshield washer setups, and the problem with them is that they are made to operate in short bursts. Any prolonged continuous use would kill it pretty quickly I believe.

Thu Aug 20, 2009 9:42 am

I need one of those valves for my now existing hand pump. It pumps fine when primed but if I let it sit all the water drains back to the tank. Then it won't pump it back no matter how many times I pump that hand pump. Would the aquarium ones be too small for the westy hand pump? Would Home Depot have a valve like that in the larger diameter water line size ya think?

Thu Aug 20, 2009 9:48 am

Klauss
"I use (2) 7-gal water containers - one for fresh and one for grey water. I'm not willing to poke a hole near the bottom of my fresh tank to mount one of these pumps. I'd have to go with a small submersible instead."

I think the submersible idea is great. Was wondering how you would get it into the Westy water tank?? The only opening is through the hole you pour water through the top, right? And I think that is a 1" tube. You would have to run a water line and the power line right?

Thu Aug 20, 2009 9:52 am

hawaii5150 wrote: I need one of those valves for my now existing hand pump. It pumps fine when primed but if I let it sit all the water drains back to the tank. Then it won't pump it back no matter how many times I pump that hand pump. Would the aquarium ones be too small for the westy hand pump? Would Home Depot have a valve like that in the larger diameter water line size ya think?

Walmart has them in their pet section. I don't know about the westy pumps. I took my westy sink out to make room for my 2g diesel tank that powers my Airtronic heater :D

Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:33 am

Continuing this idea on this thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4029741#4029741

Thu Aug 27, 2009 10:18 am

In high school I used an electric fuel pump for radio control airplanes in my Westy sink. Worked great and was cheap.

Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:01 pm

You can get small, 12V water pumps that are made for drinking water at RV stores. I put one in my '61 Westy back in the day (RIP). Worked great, very affordable.

Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:11 pm

...bilge pump from boat store.... just drop it in the tank and go.

Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:28 pm

I think the bilge pumps are to large to fit in any of the access holes of the water tank and they are expensive. The RV ones are expensive too..that's why I like these cheap windshield washer pumps. i paid $22 for it. I'm sure it's alot cheaper on the mainland.

Fri Aug 28, 2009 8:17 pm

I put my response under the other twin topic . . .

See it here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=373987&start=20

-Klauss

Mon Aug 31, 2009 1:07 pm

I bought a water pump that mounted exactly to the bottom of the water tank, scored a new pump from Grainger for $25 and its powerful knocks the grease off of your plates and the plate out of your hand.....WoW