406 washer and wiper questions

David C · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-24, 05:24 PM

Please can someone identify the Trico unit in my pictures? I have one fitted to the car above the screenwash bottle but not connected and no obvious loom for it to connect to. I assume it is original as I have another in my parts bin from long ago.

I sill have a vacuum operated windscreen washer unit installed. This has a vacuum pipe from the tank, a pipe to the washer jets and a smaller pipe to the back of the wiper switch. It would be good to know how pressing the wiper switch operates the vacuum wipers.

Also, any idea what the "Electric Coupler" shown on the Lucas wiring diagram does?

dwomby · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-24, 06:26 PM

The vacuum washers in my 408 work like this

pressing the switch connects vacuum to the washer bottle
vacuum pulls up a plunger in the washer bottle
releasing the switch relieves the vacuum and
then spring presses plunger down forcing fluid to the washer jets

David

David C · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-24, 06:35 PM

Do you have to hold the switch in for a particular amount of time?

dwomby · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-24, 06:51 PM

Mine stopped working a while ago and I replaced it with an electric pump but a good 3-5 seconds IIRC

David