Windscreen washer non-return valve.

[eatontrifles]

Do I have a faulty non-return washer valve or isn't there one fitted? It takes a few seconds for the screenwash to start spraying on the windscreen and sometimes the wipers have already started moving by the time it gets going. Makes it even more annoying at this time of year when I just want a quick squirt on the windscreen and a single wipe to clear the road grime.

Is it just me? Has anyone fitted a non return valve in their screenwash pipework?

[wakey1512]

Can't talk for the golf as I haven't had a look but most vehicles have a valve of some description fitted inline with the washer pipework to maintain water in the lines up to the jets. It sounds like yours is leaking back so I would agree that if fitted the check valve is defective. Usually have dirt wedged under the ball. Other possibilities is a blocked jet, a leaky line or at a worst case the washer pump itself.

[eatontrifles]

I would expect some sort of non-return valve to be fitted - would be interested to hear of experiences of other members with the same car if their washers start spraying as soon as the stalk is flicked.

[JohnH]

I would expect some sort of non-return valve to be fitted - would be interested to hear of experiences of other members with the same car if their washers start spraying as soon as the stalk is flicked.

yes, I start spraying as soon as I flick my stalk
(stop sniggering at the back  )

[Finglonga]

I prefer no return valve in this weather as the nozzles tend not to freeze when you need them most. So a delay before squirting is not a bad thing.

[Mark V GTD]

You have heated nozzles - they come as part of the standard 'Winter pack" that all performance Golf have.

[maxie]

i've tried mine and they have a delay too, but could that not be because the lights get sprayed 1st?

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

You can either have a short delay before spraying which means that the wipers smear crap and abrasive substances all over the screen before the spray gets to it, or have the possibility of the nozzles freezing and not spraying at all.

In theory, if there is no water in the nozzles or the last few inches of piping leading to the nozzles then all of the washer fluid is kept warm within the engine bay.

Having the headlight washers spray copious amounts of washer fluid all over the bonnet and windscreen a fraction of a second before the wipers are activated means that at least a small quantity of water hits the screen before the washer jets activate, but this only happens when the headlights are on.

[Watts]

Surely everyone dilutes their washer fluid appropriately which should remove any risk of freezing?

[Mark V GTD]

Yes exactly - and (as I said earlier) the washer nozzles are heated).....