GEN 2 Windshield Wiper Reservoir Clog Problem

[TylerL8]

Background: I live in Los Angeles and am going to a cold-weather place for a month. In order to prepare, I wanted to add some Isoporoprol alcohol to the windshield wiper fluid so it would freeze. I took about a gallon of the my summer fluid out with a turkey baster so I could make room to add it. However, when I was just about done, the plastic tube popped off and sank, and I now have plastic tube floating around somewhere at the bottom of the resovir (liquid can pass through the tube like a straw with holes on both sides).

My initial idea to get the tube out was to fish it out with a coat hanger. Hwoever, it was too deep at this point to be able to find it. My next idea was to cosndier draining the whole wiper fluid tank and try to get it through the bottom drain. However, even if it somehow ended up down there, it would be too wide to pass through likely, so that isn't worth it. My last thought was to maybe try to buy a shop-vack with a thin tube, and suck it out. However, because it's a tube with holes on both ends, I don't think it would create enough of a suction to get it out, even if I was able to reach it.

Therefore, is it worth trying to get it out? I don't want to remove all the components at remove the entire reservoir tank. Worst case, it gets stuck and breaks the pump, right? At that point, I can deal with the problem.

I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions or advice for how to fix this problem, or if its even worth trying to get it out.

 

[smurfslayer]

I’m not sure what you’re identifying, but after a couple reads through your post it sounds like a job for this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LM2L50I/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

 

[Johndeere99]

Is the pump even in the reservoir ? I think odds are it will never cause a problem.

 

[isis]

I’m not sure what you’re identifying, but after a couple reads through your post it sounds like a job for this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LM2L50I/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

That’s exactly what I was thinking of but didn’t know what it’s called to even attempt to help out.

 

[JohnyPython]

Therefore, is it worth trying to get it out? I don't want to remove all the components at remove the entire reservoir tank. Worst case, it gets stuck and breaks the pump, right? At that point, I can deal with the problem.

If the tube does damage anything, then your gonna repair it anyway. I would first try the claw that @smurfslayer suggested.

Next is to pull the reservoir. Probably isn’t that bad of a job.

Do yourself a favour, get yourself some proper -45* fluid and run some through the system.

 

[Oldfart]

That’s exactly what I was thinking of but didn’t know what it’s called to even attempt to help out.

My thoughts exactly. Pretty sure it's called the long cable thing with a claw and a button on the end. I keep 2 of them.

Do yourself a favour, get yourself some proper -45* fluid and run some through the system.

Agreed, I don't know why you would mess around with alcohol when you can just buy the proper fluid.

 

[sixshooter_45]

I’m not sure what you’re identifying, but after a couple reads through your post it sounds like a job for this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LM2L50I/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

LOL! You posted exactly what I was thinking he needed.

 

[JohnyPython]

LOL! You posted exactly what I was thinking he needed.

I got one in my toolbox and it saved me couple times. They work great for fishing bolts out of the engine bay. Another must have is a magnetic flex tool.

 

[Dustan]

Why would you spray isopropyl alcohol on your truck. If you are using water just spray until it’s empty or use a pump or turkey baster to empty the tank. And refill with some quality fluid. Rainx works great.

 

[Sheeepdog18]

Why are you putting alcohol in the washer fluids when they make washer fluids for the winter that you can add to the reservoir and leave it in there all year long. The alcohol will dry up all the rubber parts wherever it goes ( wiper blades, windshield gaskets, rubber O rings in the washer pump etc..). You should buy/use the appropriate fluids for the occasions. They all so inexpensive.