Screen Wash - Stinks of rotten eggs

[Jonny_]

Really old screenwash eventually deteriorates and allows the water to stagnate. If it's stood for ages it'll stink. Best bet is to always use screenwash even in summer, and empty the bottle if the car is going to be stood for months.

[paintman]

Find a screenwash that you like the smell of & use that in the appropriate concentration.
This problem was under discussion in the early 1970's - just not over the internet!

[Who me ?]

Re the "just use water" idea. if it's a VAG model - do this and be prepared for pipes coming off, unless you tie them on, and in winter you will have to use a high concentrate to stop freezing and pump damage. VAG recommend at least 50% mix as this lowers the SG of the liquid and keeps the pressure low.

[Cogcog]

Just had exactly this issue so this was a really useful thread.

I had filled with a container of old screen wash as I was clearing the garage a few weeks ago, It must have losts its mojo.

I have just topped up with new, clean fluid and some Zoflora and pulled a bit through. Will let it sit overnight.

[Chubbyross]

I realised the other day that in five years of owning my 911 I’ve never filled up the washer bottle. It must be creating new life in there by now.

[Pica-Pica]

Don’t forget the issue with mixing screen wash fluids on VAG and BMWs (potentially more). You may well create a gelatinous glob that will clog the filter. That is usually a wheelarch liner off to fix. For this reason I only use BMW fluid, it is not expensive. I leave it until the light comes on for low washer fluid, use the existing fluid till it runs dry, then a very small amount of plain water until that runs out, then refill using the summer or winter mixture.

[hidetheelephants]

OE screenwash. I've read some hogwash on PH but that takes the biscuit.

[CO2000]

hidetheelephants said:

OE screenwash. I've read some hogwash on PH but that takes the biscuit.

BMW/MINI are actually fussy when it comes to such fluid, lots on it and the OE stuff works without issue

[spreadsheet monkey]

hidetheelephants said:

OE screenwash. I've read some hogwash on PH but that takes the biscuit.

It's a well-documented issue - search the forums for it. The BMW screenwash doesn't mix well with other stuff. It's fine if you only use BMW screenwash, or if you flush out the system and only use cheap stuff from that point onwards

[mike9009]

I had the clogging issue on my old VW campervan. I thought the motor was knackered, but closer investigation found a big clump of stinky horrible gel needed emptying out.

I suspect the previous owner had used washing up liquid or similar.....arrrgggghhhj!

Then a warm water flush, followed by a 50% screen wash water mix, cured the smell and the screen wash not working.

[TopPlonker]

That smell will be anaerobic bacteria.

Drop some bleach in there to disinfect it, the smell should go away. Running a hosepipe in there and just letting it overflow to flush it out will help too.