Lotus Elan

Windscreen washer jet on a +2

PostPost by: Donels » Wed Oct 30, 2024 4:50 pm

I have just spent 2 hours trying to fit a new washer jet and plastic pipe and it’s seems to be an impossible task. I have a central jet and if I fit the jet first it’s impossible to fit the pipe. If I fit the pipe to the jet it’s impossible to fit the retaining nut as it will not go over the pipe when fitted to the jet. All this has to be done by feel as it can’t be seen. There must be a knack and someone has done it. Please help……….

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PostPost by: Peter +2 » Wed Oct 30, 2024 5:17 pm

Hello Dave, from my experience I don’t think there is a knack, but hoping someone will prove me wrong.

I think the water jets are one of the first items to go back in a shell before the rest of the dashboard and instruments and getting to the waterjets afterwards, when everything else is in situ is a huge challenge.

Definitely, the Jets need to be fitted and secured first before attaching the water pipe. I think having very small hands is a bonus for this sort of job.

I hope that someone has better news

Peter
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PostPost by: p.faurie » Wed Oct 30, 2024 7:25 pm

Just done this,put the nut between 2 fingers,put the jet through the hole,turn the jet into the nut and tighten,I fitted a new pipe to mine and pulled an excessive amount of pipe through the chamber put pipe in a cup of hot water then pushed it on,hope this helps.
Phil
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PostPost by: TonyA » Wed Oct 30, 2024 11:33 pm

My method:
1. Get a (stainless) wing nut that matches the thread of the washer jet.
2. Use a fine tube, that fits the bayonet of the washer jet AND goes thru the wing nut A softer, thinnish walled tube is best. Trial and error to get the right tubing, but it's worth it..
3. From under the dash, thread the tube thru the wing nut, then push the tube thru the body shell hole and into the open.
4. Attach the tube to the washer jet bayonet from outside. Heating the end of the tube helps to soften it to get it on the bayonet and it tightens and grips when it cools..
5. From under the dash, feed the wing nut along the tube , push it past the bayonet
of the washer jet ( this is where having a tube of the right thickness and softness comes in) , and screw onto the washer jet thread. Having a helper to push down on the washer jet from outside while you tighten up helps..

Good luck..Tony
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PostPost by: S135 » Thu Oct 31, 2024 3:39 pm

Hi Dave

I done this task earlier this year and you are right, it seems impossible working through the two vent slots.

In the end I used a threaded connector about 20mm long where I could get to it to tighten, as directly under the jet it was recessed so very difficult to tighten. Also, I filed a couple of flats on the connector sides so that I didn't have to use the nut lower down.

Just remember to put the connector over the tube before putting the tube through the top hole and connecting to the jet, otherwise you will be cursing when you have to take it back off!

All the best
Dave
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