Windshield washer

[Dspcole]

I just discovered on my new to me 1987 42 Classic that I have a windshield washing system! I only Just started tracing the piping, but can anyone tell me how it usually operates? Is there a solenoid? A switch? I see that it comes off my FW system.
Thanks
Doug

 

[OldDan1943]

An electrically operated solenoid, power on to open. Now you just have to find the switch. Associated with the the wiper switch???

 

[Arc]

Often pushing down on a wiper switch activates the washer

 

[AlanT]

I just discovered on my new to me 1987 42 Classic that I have a windshield washing system! I only Just started tracing the piping, but can anyone tell me how it usually operates? Is there a solenoid? A switch? I see that it comes off my FW system.
Thanks
Doug

The two switches I am familiar with:
1/ a square knob that you rotate to activate wiper and push in to activate washer

2/ separate rocker switches one for each wiper one for each washer.
~A

 

[rgano]

My 1972 GB 42 had a simple gate valve at the lower helm. No unreliable electrics involved.

 

[Brisyboy]

On our similar vintage Island Gypsy ( may be similar to GB) it was a gate valve located just below and outboard of the wheel - old school but not much to go wrong.
BTW that was on the lower helm, the fly bridge didn`t have one

 

[Alguires]

Our 1986 42Cl has a push button, similar to the engine start/stop buttons, on the starboard side of the lower helm console. It activates a solenoid valve behind the upper helm that allows pressurized FW water into the spigots over each forward window. Water flows as long as the button is depressed.

 

[BruceK]

On our similar vintage Island Gypsy ( may be similar to GB) it was a gate valve located just below and outboard of the wheel - old school but not much to go wrong.
BTW that was on the lower helm, the fly bridge didn`t have one

Integrity perpetuated that in the 386, though I`ve never tried it.
I heard a nasty rot story from an IG owner who bought one where the fresh washer water had been leaking and running down the fwd timber window structures for a long time. Make sure the gate valve closes.

 

[Choices]

Mine is near the windshield wiper knobs.

The solenoid is right above them in space at front of flying bridge.

You must have FW pump on for it to work. Two of mine were stopped up by mud dobbers. Once cleaned out they work great.

I rebuilt my wipers while at it. Go to grandbankschoices, and dig around till you find right story.

 

[cks]

The solenoid aboard my ‘03 42EU is in the forward area of the flybridge.
FYI. I have spare solenoids if anyone needs one.

 

[Dspcole]

Indeed, all of the hardware is located behind the flybridge console. It turns out that my wiper switches are 3 position pull switches. I suspect that “all of the way out “energizes the solenoid but I haven’t confirmed yet.
Thanks everyone

 

[skyken]

The valve which operates the windshield washer on my 1975 42 classic is located under the starboard step at the starboard door. Twist to open and close.