Frozen Windshield Washer Fluid

[ray1970]

Chemistry. Cheap rubber lines absorbed the methanol. Just my theory.

What? I figured extraterrestrials would factor into your theory somehow.

[BushMasterBoy]

What? I figured extraterrestrials would factor into your theory somehow.

The ET's are a fact Ray. The rubber hoses could be replaced with silicone hose and probably not be affected. You are the petro-chem guy? What do you think?

[ray1970]

The ET's are a fact Ray.

Oh, I believe in the ET?s. I have to. I refuse to believe the human race represents the highest level of intelligence.

As to the subject at hand, generally whatever hoses are used are probably forgiving enough that any freezing of liquid inside of them probably isn?t going to damage them. Obviously, if they?re old and brittle that might be a factor. Hard plastic parts like the pump are less forgiving to the expansion from freezing liquids and are more prone to damage.

Also, are we positive that the puddle under the vehicle is washer fluid and not something else?

[zimagold]

Chemistry. Cheap rubber lines absorbed the methanol. Just my theory.

^^^ This seems the most likely. ^^^

Did you use a "summer formula" rated for 32 deg earlier in the year and had significant quantity left in the reservoir?

We have not needed a lot of washer fluid around here this fall.

Only use the -25F type to avoid this issue.

Curious, did you have your vehicle serviced since spring of last year? Maybe they diluted your mixture with another formula, as a courtesy.

Jeep is pretty straightforward for maintenance, no one else has touched it in 16 months.

Oh, I believe in the ET?s. I have to. I refuse to believe the human race represents the highest level of intelligence.

As to the subject at hand, generally whatever hoses are used are probably forgiving enough that any freezing of liquid inside of them probably isn?t going to damage them. Obviously, if they?re old and brittle that might be a factor. Hard plastic parts like the pump are less forgiving to the expansion from freezing liquids and are more prone to damage.

Also, are we positive that the puddle under the vehicle is washer fluid and not something else?

Followed the trail of orange icicles straight back to the base of the washer fluid pump. Radiator was my first concern as I flushed the coolant and replaced with G05 at the proper dilution last spring. Cooling system looks fine.



Checked it tonight. Everything is working fine. Did not find any leaks after a fair bit of run time. The rear line had a decent amount of air, but that's pretty normal when it hasn't been run for awhile. Chest freezer test of partial jug and sample from reservoir stayed liquid at -10F with no slush. I guess I'll just add purging the lines to my fall maintenance check list since this vehicle is a weekend toy. Glad nothing is broken.

Thanks everyone for the comments.

[MarkCO]

Chemistry. Cheap rubber lines absorbed the methanol. Just my theory.

Chest freezer test of partial jug and sample from reservoir stayed liquid at -10F with no slush.

So if left to sit for a while, rubber lines absorbed the methanol out of the solution. Makes sense since lines get squishy and deteriorated over time.

[.455_Hunter]

Did you use a "summer formula" rated for 32 deg earlier in the year and had significant quantity left in the reservoir?

We have not needed a lot of washer fluid around here this fall.

[00tec]

Did you use a "summer formula" rated for 32 deg earlier in the year and had significant quantity left in the reservoir?

We have not needed a lot of washer fluid around here this fall.

This is one reason that I ONLY use one type. I don't care if it's 100 degrees outside, it gets the -25 stuff.

[MrPrena]

If it is the pump, it might be slightly easier to replace than entire line. see where it is leaking exactly. I almost had to replace the pump, because the type of vehicle pump do not like those cheap washier fluid.
I know some German maker vehicle do not like those orange RainX.

During fall, pump up (use up) all the bug winshield wiper with higher freezing pt (ie 32F or 25F) until you see the new <-20F fluid hits the windshield.

[ChickNorris]

Curious, did you have your vehicle serviced since spring of last year? Maybe they diluted your mixture with another formula, as a courtesy.

[O2HeN2]

Curious, did you have your vehicle serviced since spring of last year? Maybe they diluted your mixture with another formula, as a courtesy.

This. I do most of my own service, but the few times I've had to bring it in I tape a big note "do not fill" over the windshield washer reservoir.

O2