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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Tudor washer pump replacement.

I converted the Frogeye washers to electric using a "Tudor" washer pump from Heebay. Great mistake. The pump lasted about 5 minutes then seized. I've just wasted 2 frustrating hours or so re-building the pump countless times. It works electrically but the excuse for a pump keeps jamming so I've given up and walked away. Basically, like a lot of modern replacement parts, it is a piece of Chinese junk.

So, does anyone have a suggestion for a proper replacement please? I have an old Volvo pump that would work forever but it's designed to attach to the side of the bottle with direct water connections. I have the (original British) Tudor bottle with separate water pipes so need a pump with smallish pipe connections. Any suggestions gratefully received (I don't want to convert back to manual).
Bill Bretherton

I have one of those new fangled air wash systems. Basically it's all the original components but an empty Tudor bottle. If you want to wash the windscreen you pump like mad on the punker doofer thing, realise nothing is happening so you stop and wipe the screen over with the damp rag kept in the door pocket. Works quite well.
John Payne

I’ve got an old electric pump that I’ve taken off my 1965.

Got no idea if it works so I’ll test it and if it works, it’s yours if you want it.
James Paul

Thanks James, I'm interested - let me know if it works. Could be useful for parts at least!

brethertonwilliam(AT)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk
Bill Bretherton

Well I’m quite frankly amazed it works!

Fired straight up!

It’s a Trico. Made in England




James Paul

Bill,
if you don't use your washers very often are you sure you've not got translucent snot like material in the pump barrel/cylinder/internals, check your washer battle and hoses perhaps. I've had this snot type stuff in washer fluid that sat for ages, twice,
Nigel Atkins

Nigel
I've completely stripped and re-assembled the pump so it's clean. The problem is more to do with the design/ materials of the modern Tudor pump, I think. The pump rotor keeps snagging.
Bill Bretherton

I've had this problem, sort of. I found that if the water doesn't get to the impeller within a few seconds the rotor material heats up due to friction and stalls the motor. If the water gets there before this happens it acts as a lubricant. Make sure the non-return valve in the bottle is working.
Rob
MG Moneypit

Thanks Rob - it may have run dry for too long.

James, I presume you want to keep it now?!
Bill Bretherton

Thanks Rob - it may have run dry for too long.
Bill Bretherton

Hi Bill,

No it’s yours if you want it.

I’ll be honest it did cross my mind, but happy for you to have it.

I’ve emailed you

🙂
James Paul

Hi Bill,

No it’s yours if you want it.

I’ve emailed you

🙂
James Paul

I use a 12v aquarium pump. It's LPHV so I had to drill out the jets slightly, but I get a nice flow. Submersible so sits in the bottle.
Les Rose

This thread was discussed between 17/08/2022 and 18/08/2022

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