Infiniti: Infiniti Q45 windshield washer nozzle clog (remove & repair & replace)

My 1990 Q45 windshield washer 2-jet nozzles constantly clog.

Before I begin dissassembly, I'd like to ask the re-engineering
preventive-repair question:
Q: Does widening the jets work[/color] as a preventive repair?

I have not found anyone who tried that approach (yet).

The first place I looked was the 1990 Infiniti Q45 factory shop manual
(FSM).
Other than minor, not very helpful, owners-manual-style wording on the
washers
on pages MA-7 and MA-8, the closest I can find in the FSM is a short
reference
on page EL-89 titled "Washer Nozzle Adjustment" solely related to
adjusting
the stream of washer fluid.

The FSM merely states on this page (verbatim):
- Using Tool J36126, adjust windshield washer nozzle to correct its
spray pattern.
- Before attempting to turn the nozzle, gently tap the end of Tool
to free the nozzle.
- This will prevent "rounding out" the small female square in the
center of the nozzle.

Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, there is nothing in the FSM
regarding
how to periodically unclog (or prevent future clogs) the Q45
windshield
washer nozzle.

The only other related references, I can find in the FSM, are the
front
wiper and washer wiring diagram on FSM page EL-86; and a description
of
how to remove the windshield at FSM page BF-150.

Searching NICO (www.nissaninfiniticlub.com), I find:[*]NICO Forums > Online Mechanic > Infiniti Online Mechanic [*]NICO Forums > Car Specific > 240SX and Silvia (200SX) [*]NICO Forums > Car Specific > 240SX and Silvia (200SX) 

Basic NICO suggestions seem to periodically unclog, i.e.:[*]Periodically unclog with a toothpick[*]Periodically unclog with a wire[*]Periodically unclog with a pin[*]Periodically unclog with a tac[*]Periodically unclog with a needle[*]Periodically unclog with a Craftsman dentist pic[*]Periodically unclog with a syringe (sans needle)[*]Periodically unclog with an air compressor

A basic GOOGLE web search (www.google.com) finds many articles, e.g.:[*]http://www.advanceautoparts.com/howtos_tips/automedia_html/ccr/ccr20030601ww/index.html?page=/howtos_tips/automedia_html/ccr/ccr20030601ww/ccr20030601ww.htm[*] http://www.swedishbricks.net/700900FAQ/Electrical-Wipers1.html

A basic GOOGLE GROUP (groups.google.com) search finds certain cars
most affected:[*]rec.autos > 1992-03-16 >
clogged windshield washer[*]rec.autos.tech > 2002-12-08 >
Replacing a windshield washer nozzle w/ one that SPRAYS RIGHT[*]alt.autos.nissan > 2000/02/04 >
Windshield Washer[*]alt.autos.nissan.maxima > 2000/01/21 >
Maxima windshield washer nozzle upgradeable?[*]alt.autos.toyota > 1998/05/28 >
anybody had trouble with thier wiperfluid sprayer plugged[*]alt.autos.volvo > 2003-01-09 >
740 windshield fluid nozzles clogged, AGAIN?[*]rec.autos.makers.saturn > 1999/01/26 >
Dribbling washer fluid[*]rec.autos.makers.saturn > 1999/11/24 >
Windshield washer won't

Additional GOOGLE unclogging answers (over that of NICO) seem to be:[*]Unclog by placing in an ultrasonic-cleaner with vinegar & drops of
dishwasher liquid for 10 minutes each side then rinse & spray with
teflon oil before putting the nozzle back in the hood.[*]Unclog with a heated pin (to remove ice clogs)[*]Unclog with a bent common office staple (just the right size)[*]Unclog with a hatpin[*]Unclog with a twist tie from a breadbag or garbage bag[*]Unclog with a paper clip or jeweler's screwdriver (way too big for
most)[*]Unclog with a reverse flush with a garden hose (two or three
minutes)[*]Unclog by operating the washer in reverse (tube over output of
washer nozzle)[*]Unclog by squirting a soapy solution thru the nozzles[*]Unclog by replacing with new nozzles (mostly Infiniti & Nissan)[*]Prevent by not waxing the nozzles when you wax the car[*]Prevent by adding a clear plastic in-line gasoline filter to the
washer hoses[*]Prevent using Volvo 850 in-line washer fluid filter part number
3538564-0[*]Prevent by adding a washer fluid filter from ITD (claims to end
clogs forever)[*]Prevent by adding a lawn-mower gas filter as your washer fluid
filter[*]Prevent by flushing out & cleaning the washer fluid reservoir[*]Prevent by using an algacide to clear out algae in the fluid[*]Diagnose by checking hoses for kinks, pinholes, clogs, or
disconnections[*]Diagnose by checking fluid levels, the pump, the wiring, and the
switches[*]Diagnose by checking the check valve in the piping the pump & the
jets

Of these suggestions, the only preventives seem to be to use certain
washer fluids (and algacides); and to add an in-line washer fluid
filter.

The specific list of afflicted autos (from GOOGLE posts) seems to be:[*]1990 Infiniti Q45[*]xxxx Infiniti G20[*]1998 Nissan Altima[*]1989 Nissan Maxima[*]1991 Nissan Maxima[*]1995 Nissan Maxima[*]2000 Nissan Maxima[*]1986 Toyota Celica GT[*]1990 Toyota Corolla[*]1987 Volvo 740[*]1988 Volvo 740[*]xxxx Volvo 760[*]xxxx Volvo 940T Wagon[*]1994 Saturn SL1[*]1992 Saturn SL2

I suspect an engineering flaw since the auto list is so spartan.
Luckily, engineering flaws can be 'fixed'.
Before I begin dissassembly, I'd like to ask the question:

Other than installing an inline washer fluid filter, & special fluids
....
Q: Are there any other known agreed working preventive repair
procedures
(e.g., widening the nozzle jets)?

tangalora

Alora Duncan wrote:
 

I wouldn't..

 

That's what I'd do, add a filter (no special fluid needed) or clean the tank
out. After 14 years, it's gotten some trash dumped into it. That's not an
engineering fault.
--

Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com