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Leaving a mess after every use.....

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HyperGrade
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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by HyperGrade » Wed Jul 19, 2017 10:14 am

Hi Guys,

Anyone seen this? I've done a quick search but it's not come up with anything obvious - 'leak' brings up a lot of responses. :)
This happens when I've used the windscreen washers at any point during the journey BUT only leaks out after I switch off the engine.
Thoughts?
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2nd Z4, Auction find, 2007 3.0si Sport, 45k, Silver Grey, 224 Alloys. Retro Cruise :thumbsup:
Previous: 2003, 2.5i Sport, Sterling Grey (2006-2010)

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Fox889
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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by Fox889 » Thu Jul 20, 2017 5:24 pm

My first thought would be an inline one way valve somewhere between the bottle and the nozzle?
On older cars there was a black inline valve under the bonnet, but where modern day ones are located I really don't know.
2004 3.0 Z4 in Sterling grey metallic

HyperGrade
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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by HyperGrade » Fri Jul 21, 2017 9:20 am

Ok, sounds like an good idea. My frustration is that it's every time, so there must be an issue somewhere with the system pressure. Why would it be fine during usage (sprays are all even and strong), then there's nothing until you switch off. Very strange.
2nd Z4, Auction find, 2007 3.0si Sport, 45k, Silver Grey, 224 Alloys. Retro Cruise :thumbsup:
Previous: 2003, 2.5i Sport, Sterling Grey (2006-2010)

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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by Fox889 » Fri Jul 21, 2017 9:47 am

That's because the one valve is partially doing what it should do, let water go from the bottle to the jets, when you stop the washer motor the ball bearing in the valve should then stop any water pressure dribbling out. It's a simple system, perhaps yours has crud or corrosion in the valve. My guess is, if you look under the bonnet and just trace back the black pipes you'll stumble across the valve(s). Could always call BMW and ask if they're a separate item that can be ordered?
2004 3.0 Z4 in Sterling grey metallic

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cj10jeeper
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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by cj10jeeper » Fri Jul 21, 2017 10:00 am

I'd wager that only when the car stops does the heat from the engine further heats the washer pipes given the then lack of cooling air, expands the water and causes it to dribble out. Same result if the reservoir filler cap is sealed and heat expands the reservoir tank water

I'm not aware of nor did I ever see any one way valve in my washer system and there is no residual pressure in it when not in use
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HyperGrade
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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by HyperGrade » Fri Jul 21, 2017 11:20 am

Fox889 wrote: Fri Jul 21, 2017 9:47 am That's because the one valve is partially doing what it should do, let water go from the bottle to the jets, when you stop the washer motor the ball bearing in the valve should then stop any water pressure dribbling out. It's a simple system, perhaps yours has crud or corrosion in the valve. My guess is, if you look under the bonnet and just trace back the black pipes you'll stumble across the valve(s). Could always call BMW and ask if they're a separate item that can be ordered?
ah, sorry I thought you were assuming there were one-way valves. I didn't know there actually were such things on the system, but I guess it makes sense. Will follow the lines and check all the points for any obvious indicators. Cheers! :thumbsup:
2nd Z4, Auction find, 2007 3.0si Sport, 45k, Silver Grey, 224 Alloys. Retro Cruise :thumbsup:
Previous: 2003, 2.5i Sport, Sterling Grey (2006-2010)

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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by HyperGrade » Fri Jul 21, 2017 11:21 am

cj10jeeper wrote: Fri Jul 21, 2017 10:00 am I'd wager that only when the car stops does the heat from the engine further heats the washer pipes given the then lack of cooling air, expands the water and causes it to dribble out. Same result if the reservoir filler cap is sealed and heat expands the reservoir tank water

I'm not aware of nor did I ever see any one way valve in my washer system and there is no residual pressure in it when not in use
The heat idea's a good one. Either way I need to take a look at all connections for anything obvious.
2nd Z4, Auction find, 2007 3.0si Sport, 45k, Silver Grey, 224 Alloys. Retro Cruise :thumbsup:
Previous: 2003, 2.5i Sport, Sterling Grey (2006-2010)

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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by bladeowner » Fri Jul 21, 2017 11:38 am

If your washer fluid has a very high alcohol content could it not be acting in the same way as an alcohol filled thermometer as cj10jeeper suggests? You could try a higher percentage of water in your bottle and see if it solves the problem.
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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by HyperGrade » Fri Jul 21, 2017 11:57 am

bladeowner wrote: Fri Jul 21, 2017 11:38 am If your washer fluid has a very high alcohol content could it not be acting in the same way as an alcohol filled thermometer as cj10jeeper suggests? You could try a higher percentage of water in your bottle and see if it solves the problem.
Oooh, very technical and a good thought! It's very rich, it's still what was in there when I bought the car a month ago. You can see how dark it is. Hmm, maybe something to try before I mess about with anything! Thanks.
2nd Z4, Auction find, 2007 3.0si Sport, 45k, Silver Grey, 224 Alloys. Retro Cruise :thumbsup:
Previous: 2003, 2.5i Sport, Sterling Grey (2006-2010)

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cj10jeeper
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Leaving a mess after every use.....

Post by cj10jeeper » Fri Jul 21, 2017 12:21 pm

Well if you find drunken folks licking the bonnet then there's the issue :)
Jaguar F-Type 3.0 Supercharged V6 S, Stratus Grey, LSD, Active Exhaust, CF wheels, Performance brakes, Sports seats and mods ongoing
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills

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