Hi, with washer in my '83 Ciera seems to be faulty, they don't 'squirt' when the washer switch/lever is pushed.
If I force water up the hose (from the washer bottle end) until it starts to come out of the nozzles and then push the washer switch on the wiper-controls the water is squirted out onto the screen rhythmically while the wipers go back and forth - but only for about 5-6 squirts then the pressure drops off anf no more water comes out, it's like there should be a pump to get the water up there..

So it seem the gizmo that squirts the water is working OK (a pump activated by the wiper motor?)- but whatever it is that supplies the water to the 'squirty' gizmo is not working.

Does the system have a pump that supplies water to the pressure device attached to the wiper-motor or???

 

GM used a mechanical pump operating from a cam on the wiper motor.
Apparently they are not the greatest design, if the flap valves are weak you will get the symptoms you describe.
Rebuild kits are available, however replacing it with an electric pump is a simple fix if you dont mind the car not being completely original.

This is something I learned myself on this forum quite recently.

Roger.

 

4 1/4 inch screws, a $15 kit, and about 45 min. as all it takes!
Kit replaces the plastic housing and rubber seals/flapper your hoses go to.
Biggest problem you'll have is finding one - go to an independant auto parts store that's been in business 2-3 decades, as the new ones won't have them, and look at you as if you've got 3 heads!
Just follow the instructions. [I did one about 2 months ago!]

 

The only pump is in the wiper motor - a poorly designed one at that. Get the rebuild kit, rockauto should have them. After rebuild, force the fluid through like you did, as these do not prime well by themselves. After then it should be good to go!

 

Hey, thanks for the quick answer guys, I'm impressed.!

I'll do as you say - however I'll have to import the kit as we don't (to my knowledge!) have Rockauto here in New Zealand, I have seen them on the net and I plan on buying like a shifter **** and one or two other items I need to improve the car so will add the pump kit to the order.