Methanol Leak..... FIXED!

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bpd1151

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Much to my dismay, I've been dealing with a leak from OEM washer reservoir for the last few months, in an on again, off again fashion.

I noticed back in February/March of this year, when I swapped out my Alky-Controls pump, that I was leaking meth from the low tank sensor on the OEM Washer Tank.

Not wanting to swap out the entire reservoir (all one piece, including the sensor, etc.) I foolishly began my attempts at using various caulk/sealing products.

Boy was that dumb.

Repeatedly jacking up the car, applying whatever goop product, then lowering car and allowing the appropriate 24hr. or so drying/curing time. Then filling up the tank partially, only to discover the leaking still occurring. Gggrrrr.

This went on for several weeks, whenever time permitted, and using x, y, z products.

NONE OF THEM WORKED!

Crunch time, so I began searching. 2018 Ford National's was quickly approaching. I finally found that stupid little rubber grommet that surrounds the low tank sensor itself, and plugs the hole.

Only problem was, NO ONE STOCKS THE PART! Literally.

So, I was unable to get it in time for the aforementioned event, which forced me to behave and drive like a "normal" person for each 11hr trip back -n- forth to/from Carlisle.

Boy did that sure suck. Especially given the amount of cars that wanted to play.

Anyhow, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND ORDERING AHEAD OF TIME! the following parts:

The "Level Sensor Grommet". Part number: 7T4Z-16K624-AA which can be had for anywhere between $3 to $5 each.

As well as the optional "Low Tank Sensor" (does NOT come supplied with above grommet). Part number: 7T4Z-17B649-AA which can be had for anywhere between $8 to $10 each.

See/Refer to the pics below. In the diagram, they are labeled as number(s) 14 and 15 respectively.

Now I purchased the sensor as well, because the car is now 8 years old. At about year 4 of ownership, I had the misfortune of colliding with the mother of all raccoons, which took out my lower front spoiler, and damaged the entire lower channel/lip of the front bumper cover. I noticed when replacing those two items, that my OEM Washer Reservoir was leaking in the same spot as described in this thread.

So at that time, I simply chose to purchase the entire assembled reservoir unit, not knowing that these individual parts existed within the database.

So it's been almost another 4yrs, so the grommet seems to be lasting around that average (3 to 4 years).

Hopefully this saves some of you not only the headaches of trying to fix this, but more importantly the EXPENSE of fixing it.

Do not bother spending the money on aftermarket glues, adhesives, etc. no matter how much they claim they'll work. THEY DON'T!!!. This I assure each of you.

Happy motoring!7e60354a3c5f159dc9ab0a7a3d34b34bFac3840dc566e79ce7ddb5b9b3d4d477Eebe284300016ed7759a36c1409ba8a6C1bba8d1d142ca433d0e54855ec77aebEc5e22d55b35d7b5cd9ed8b6904f3ae6808f97812dad5cd466329afb048fd588775443fb49c3ecbc7c42a540de71edb0Cc2b967be79ec8c64fc4f47cb0dd0ac1
 

krewat

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Totally unrelated to your issue, but - thanks for the pics. My 2016 washer won't prime sometimes and just acts like there's no fluid in it. My 2013, well, that one completely failed. I bought a new pump, but never put it in before I returned it at the end of the lease.

But anyway... the pics help me to understand what the F I'm going to do about it now ... ;)
 

Lostneye

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Totally unrelated to your issue, but - thanks for the pics. My 2016 washer won't prime sometimes and just acts like there's no fluid in it. My 2013, well, that one completely failed. I bought a new pump, but never put it in before I returned it at the end of the lease.

But anyway... the pics help me to understand what the F I'm going to do about it now ... ;)
IT seems to be relatively common for the pumps to fail. Mine went out at less than 25k miles.
 

bpd1151

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Per Julio (owner of Alky-Controls) average life span for a pump being used entirely for methanol....

Is 2 to 3 years. On average.

I am on my 3rd pump myself.

One bought new when I installed the kit, which lasted about 2.5yrs. Swapped it out, and pump #2 lasted a tick OVER 3 years (likely due to me driving the SHO less frequently).

Pump #3 was installed this past February/March, which is when I noticed the leak at the OEM Washer Reservoir (& what prompted this thread).

New pumps are approximately $180 direct from Alky-Controls.

Julio will rebuild your existing pump for $90.

He DOES NOT sell used/rebuilt pumps directly. You MUST SHIP your existing pump to him for rebuild.

Hope that's of some additional help beyond the topic of this thread.
 

bpd1151

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Ahhhh.....

Yea, I heard those go out with some degree of frequency.

Hopefully you're not using the windshield pump as a pump for your methanol anyhow.

That'd be a BIG NO NO.
 

Jeff2017

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My wifes 2012 XC90 started leaking at the washer pump. I replaced the pump and noticed it said FoMoCO on it. I also saw the rubber grommet that the pump slides into and wondered why the pump didn't come with a new grommet. Luckily the old grommet is working.
 
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