leak in windshield washer fluid tank

[SmoothSonic]

my windshield washer fluid tank is leaking fluid from the pour spout tube that connects to the top of the tank.

I noticed a rubber seal that's on the inside, so I pulled up on the spout tube to see if it seals the leak. It is only a temporary fix, since any vibrations will knock it loose again.

I think it's a terrible design and the car is only just over a year old.

Has anyone else had this problem or has a possible long-term solution?

 

[Natesriv]

it doesn't just sit inside the tank it has to turn and drop down in there and be held in by the groove. are you sure you have the top of the tank tube secured firmly

 

[RMinNJ]

there was a previous post with someone saying they could fill the tube..

Not sure if it comes off and we can just caulk/silicone it.

 

[Palmaris]

Yes, you have to line it up and twist it to get it to lock into place. It might still leak though but not so much. I had to fill mine up a lot this weekend!

 

[SmoothSonic]

I'll try twisting it to see if it makes a better seal. So, when you say twist, are you saying that it has threads that screw it into place?

 

[Natesriv]

it's got grooves... it can go it two ways, the right way (where the spout is positioned properly in that gap, and the wrong way where it'll be too close to the drivers fender)

I'd take a pic but I'm at work, but if you grab the spout, and turn CCW it should turn and by pulling up gently you'll be able to free it entirely. Then examine the base and you'll see that it fits into the reservoir in a slotted manner.

easy

 

[SmoothSonic]

it's got grooves... it can go it two ways, the right way (where the spout is positioned properly in that gap, and the wrong way where it'll be too close to the drivers fender)

I'd take a pic but I'm at work, but if you grab the spout, and turn CCW it should turn and by pulling up gently you'll be able to free it entirely. Then examine the base and you'll see that it fits into the reservoir in a slotted manner.

easy

I checked what you're saying. I removed the spout and inspected it. I didn't see anything unusual. So, I inserted it back in and turned it CW into place. I filled the fluid in and it once again leaked out at the seam. It appears that the rubber O-ring isn't creating a seal. Is there some sort of silicone sealant that I can apply to the O-ring area to improve the seal?

 

[Natesriv]

I'd get a warranty repair, sound like they'd need to order a part (the tube I suspect)...
You could use a caulk, but it's possible it'd get into the system and then clog up the spray head....

is it a large leak, or just when it's up to the tube it begins to leak, as long as you keep it lower you're okay for the period of time it took to get the new part(s) in at the dealership?

 

[SmoothSonic]

It leaks out when the fluid reaches the fill line arrow and stops leaking below that joint. So as long as I keep it lower, then it's ok.

 

[SmoothSonic]

Whoops! I forgot to post an update on the answer to this leak.

I took the car in for an oil change one day and mentioned this leak. They looked at it and then ordered a new o-ring free of charge. When it came in, they replaced it for free. I think the part was listed at less than $3.

 

[Trevinator]

so your not supposed to fill it to the top of the spout? I always have..... but then again, I have never looked for it leaking at the base of the spout.

I HAVE had the outlet hose pop off near the tank before. also had the hose pop apart in the left c pillar and make a bit of a mess once too!