1966 windshield wiper fluid lines.

[jadob]

Okay let me try this again.  I re-read my old posts and a nice member educated me on the fact that the lines I am trying to replace are the windshield wiper fluid lines. So my question is this.  How do I access the bottom of the jets for the wiper fluid to replace the brittle cracked lines?  Thank you and I am sorry for me posting the wrong information previously.

JD

[savemy67]

Hello JD,

I own a '67 Sedan DeVille, but I think your '66 should have a similar set-up.  If I understand your post correctly, what you describe as the "windshield wiper fluid lines", I interpret as the windshield washer fluid lines - the rubber hoses that connect the windshield washer pump (attached to the wiper motor) to the "jets" (aka nozzles) located at the cowl ventilator grill between the hood and the windshield.

To access the bottom of the jets, the cowl ventilator grill must be removed.  The jets are screwed to the underside of the grill.  To remove the grill, the windshield wiper arms, escutcheon nuts, and escutcheons must be removed.  The grill is attached with several fasteners that are accessible when the hood is raised.  There are also two fasteners - one at each end of the grill - that are located in the upper front door jamb area.  These two fasteners are accessible by removing the front door hinge pillar guard.  The guards are held in place by a couple of easily accessed fasteners.  Once all the grill fasteners are removed, the grill can be pulled forward and tilted up to clear the windshield lower reveal molding.  At this point, the hoses to the jets can be disconnected.  If you get this far, I recommend that you unscrew the jets from the grill and  thoroughly clean them.

On my '67 the jet is comprised of two pieces - the mounting block (with which the jet is mounted to the grill, and to which the hose is attached) -  and the jet itself, which is threaded into the block.  If your '66 is the same as my '67, you can unscrew the jet from the block and use some fine wire to make sure the passages are clear.  When you unscrew the jet from the block, make a note of the position of the jet's orifice relative to the block and reassemble the jet in the same position.  If the jet is not in the same position, when the washer is activated, the stream of washer fluid may be directed over the car's roof instead of at the windshield.

I suggest that you test the operation of the washer before final reassembly.  If you have not already done so, I think it is a good idea to purchase both the shop manual and the Fisher body manual.  If and when you undertake this project, be mindful that the wiper arms may be difficult to remove.  I recommend that you cover all painted surfaces, as well as the windshield, with thick towels or blankets in order to avoid scratching the paint or windshield.  Good luck.

Christopher Winter

[Scot Minesinger]

Also on the 65/66 Cadillac website are detailed instructions how to remove cowl grille and all to gain access.  Must be not obvious as otherwise directions would not be posted.

[jadob]

Christopher.. Thank you very much.  I will get to this this weekend where there is more time.  Scot....  I had no idea regarding the 65/66 Cadillac site.  Thanks for the info on that.