Noob question... where is my washer fluid going?

[chrisbruck]

It appears the washer fluid level keeps dropping on my stock '04 LC. (And NO, I'm not using it up spraying the windscreen).


I top off the tank in the engine and a day later I look again and the level has fallen down below the neck part I can see in the engine bay. I can't for the life of me figure out where it's going. There are no leaks in the garage. Doesn't seem to leak when driving.

Is there something unique on the LC I'm missing here?

 

[VtaTom]

There's a line running to the back window. Was it empty when you filled the tank? Maybe it's backfilling or wicking up the line and that's why your tank level is dropping. Just a guess.

 

[hoser]

I'd try checking the tank first. Accessible from inside the fender liner.

 

[AimCOtaco]

The fluid is high in alcohol so with a slow leak it may evaporate before you see anything, I would so as hoser suggests and remove and water test the tank.

 

[1loudLX]

It's probably leaking out where the neck fits into the res. The connection is not water tight so the extra pressure from the fluid in the neck is probably pushing it out until it's level.

 

[chrisbruck]

Yep, got a really slow drip at the neck.... finally found it. Must leak faster while driving with the road vibrations. I knew I wasn't crazy.

 

[phippsj]

I have the same problem. Replaced the seal where the neck fits into the tank. Still had the same problem.

Looked at the filler neck real close and found that it had a crack right where it seats with the seal. At $45 for a new filler neck, I don't worry about it. The tank holds more than enough washer fluid. The amount in the neck is negligible.

 

[chrisbruck]

Cool thanks for the info.