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Old 08-28-2018, 04:21 AM   #1
Paul Bennett
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Default 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

I just changed the wiper blades, noticing washer nozzles on the wipers. Of course the washer bottle is long gone.

Guess you can tell I'm down to nitty gritty small nutz crap. I have the wheel alignment in 2-3 days and new tires in 2-3 weeks ... but right now I still have momentum, fantastic weather and enjoy the daily puttering.

Most washers now days contain an electric pump but I doubt early cars did. Assuming some form of vacuum arrangement, how did the washer system work? Or am I making wrong assumptions.

Bottle/holders ... ebay for used, I'm seeing mostly GM stuff. Is that another source. I'll take my time on purchase but right now like to know how they worked.
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Old 08-28-2018, 06:47 AM   #2
slowforty
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

Some had a manual pump. It was a device you pushed with your foot to squirt the washer fluid.
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Old 08-28-2018, 07:30 AM   #3
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

Seriously doubt that your car ever had one. Most if not all came with the wiper towers containing the washer nozzle in anticipation that the washers would be dealer installed.
The washers operated on vacuum that powered a piston type pump inside the washer fluid bottle.
Also, your wiper switch should have the washer push button in the center of it.
These I believe were installed whether it was equipped with washers or not.

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Old 08-28-2018, 07:31 AM   #4
big job
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

I bet trucks and cars have the same set up. My 1954 F900 has a kind of large glass
bottle looks more than a quart. Just above the dimmer switch is a "looks like a model
A starter button) you push with ya foot to squirt washer fluid. Think I'd search ebay for
"Ford truck windshield washer" Far as the glass bottle my 59 Lincoln has the same big
bottle 'or jar' Mercurys as well but they were vacuum operated then they went to the
red bag FoMoCo clear vision around 1961 my mothers 1961 Lincoln had the bag, so I
guess its a 1950's item......... sam
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Old 08-28-2018, 07:39 AM   #5
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

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Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT View Post
Seriously doubt that your car ever had one. Most if not all came withe the wiper tower containing the washer nozzle in anticipation that the washers would be dealer installed.
The washers operated on vacuum that powered a piston type pump inside the washer fluid bottle.

Thats correct . My 58 Mercury had that system as well as 57 Linc & Merc so
I think this would be a good chance for a dealer thing for early 50's
but my truck has it non vacuum. My avitar is the one and the squirt thingy is on the
hood. sam
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Old 08-28-2018, 12:37 PM   #6
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

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They were mostly made by TRICO. Only the nozzle set up in the wiper towers was manufactured by Ford. The kits were similar for all auto manufacturers in the time frames that they've been available. I've seen similar TRICO set ups on 1946 Fords. The TRICO wiper systems date back to 1917.
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Old 08-28-2018, 03:08 PM   #7
Paul Bennett
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

Didn't mention that my car had several hoses from the wiper button into the engine compartment and paint evidence of once having a bottle. Daily driver - the only time I squirt my windows is when the dust becomes unbearable requiring window cleaning from within.



I doubt I will ever find a working pump tho but an electric pump isn't out of the question. But I thank y'all for the illustration showing the vacuum pump framus.
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Old 08-28-2018, 05:21 PM   #8
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

One line on the switch goes to the jar and the other line goes to the same vacuum source used for the wipers. The button in the center of the switch is spring loaded and when you push it in, it opens the vacuum line to the jar. The same jar was used in multiple applications by numerous manufactures....just different labels. It's like they were the only game in town in the 50's.

A couple on e-bay :

https://www.ebay.com/itm/51-52-53-54...YAAOSwKARbWPyy

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1951-1952-1...MAAOSwlzZbGt5u
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File Type: jpg DSCN8513.jpg (31.4 KB, 17 views)

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Old 08-29-2018, 10:30 AM   #9
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

There are lots of used ones on eBay but I don't know of any rebuild kits available for these.
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Old 08-30-2018, 10:59 AM   #10
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

My '55 Mercury Montclair had the same type glass jar on the left inner fender, however there were no vacuum hoses used. There was a small electric motor on top of the lid for the jar that was run by a small button switch in the center of the wiper control knob on the dash. Assuming this was a factory set-up.


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Old 08-30-2018, 12:15 PM   #11
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

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Originally Posted by scicala View Post
My '55 Mercury Montclair had the same type glass jar on the left inner fender, however there were no vacuum hoses used. There was a small electric motor on top of the lid for the jar that was run by a small button switch in the center of the wiper control knob on the dash. Assuming this was a factory set-up.


Sal
55 was still 6 volt so that would work.
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Old 08-30-2018, 12:26 PM   #12
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

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55 was still 6 volt so that would work.
Yes,still 6 volt but if hooked up to 12 volts, now Ya' have a pressure washer
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Old 08-30-2018, 03:09 PM   #13
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

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Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT View Post
Yes,still 6 volt but if hooked up to 12 volts, now Ya' have a pressure washer
(6 volts for ever) If he converts it to 12 volt those bugs don't stand a chance of staying on the windshield....not to mention a coupe of presses on the button the bottle will be empty!
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Old 08-30-2018, 04:37 PM   #14
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Default Re: 50 Merc - windshield washer - how

51 merc here is help for your condition
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