Hello:
I need some help.I have a 1970 S II XKE OTS.I want to replace the windscreen jets located on the front cowl and would like to know if anyone an advise on the best way to get to them.I have looked at the Haynes manual...no luck.One of these is missing on my car,the other is loose.When I bought the car the previous owner told me..Just drop down the center panel...wrong! The thought occurred to me at that time,if it is that easy why has'nt he done it?? Anyway please help me>>Thanks Dr. Mike

Submitted by georgejones123… on Fri, 08/12/2005 - 16:36

Dr. Mike,

A little additional information on replacing the windshield. I did mine and here are the details.

The first step after cleaning the steel window opening is to install the seal rubber on the glass. The next step is to insert a strong but fairly small diameter rope (nylon about 3/16" dia) around the rubber in the outside groove before inserting it in the opening. Let the ends stick out at least a foot at 12 o'clock on the seal. Next is to present the assembly to the window opening. Wet the rubber with a diluted solution of dishwasher detergent and insert it from the outside. Get the inside flap started engaging the steel window opening at 12 o'clock. Holding one rope end pull on the other from inside the car which will "roll" the rest of the flap into position around the opening.

What is left is to install the lock rubber. This is where the tool becomes necessary. It is a pointed tool with a hole for the lock rubber and can be purchased at numerous parts or auto glass companies. It looks like a screw driver with a special end. Start the rubber at 6 o'clock by inserting the first few inches into the groove on the seal and then thread the rubber through the hole in the tool. Again, lubricate with the solution, and dragging the tool around it will spread the seal rubber and lay the lock rubber into the opening in the seal.

If you follow this procedure you should have no trouble.

George Jones

Private Restorer.66\' 3.8 Mark 2, 67\' Ser. 1 FHC \"E\""

Submitted by waddypotthoff@… on Fri, 08/12/2005 - 13:46

'64 S1 Thank you Dr. Mike, Gents, for breaching the subject of washer jet replacement. I'm at a similar point in my work on my '64 OTS. Mr. Camp, would you mind being more explicit regarding: "finding rubber tool to insert the lock when you go back"? I find I like to have clear mental images before I 'dive in'. Thanks, Ed in Michigan

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Mon, 08/08/2005 - 06:09

Although removal of the windscreen allows the best job on the washers (sorry John) if you are going to change out the bulkhead pipes you will have to remove it now along with the windscreen wiper crank mech. and of couurse the dash top. No special tools needed to remove the wind screen but it makes for a clean job if you can find a locking rubber tool to insert the lock when you go back. George Camp

Submitted by just4papa@yahoo.com on Sun, 08/07/2005 - 20:13

Thanks for the input. Just to update anyone who may be interested--I am in the middle of what was initially going to be a minor repair. A radiator leak required that I remove the radiator and fans, which allowed me "easy" access to rebuild the water pump, which then led me to rebuilding the heater box. There is no way to make this long story short. While looking into what I thought was going to be an easy project (replacing washer jets), I was removing the last of the short hoses at the fire wall when I discovered that the system of internal heater water lines--which go through the fire wall--are badly corroded, and in need of replacement. It seems foolish to spend this much money and effort on rebuilding the entire cooling system, and ignore this issue, so here I go again. Since these water lines are in the same area as the dreaded washer jets, is there a "simple" way to accomplish replacing both (heater lines and washer jets) as one task? If any of you has accomplished this in the past, your experience and guidance would be most appreciated.

Submitted by mcfoo@columbus… on Sun, 08/07/2005 - 19:57

When they built the E-type, they started with a room with just the windscreen washer jets in it, and then built the car around them.

You may have to remove the wiper cranks and also find a very small armed person with a special tool to hold the nuts. Don't remove the windscreen.

Once installed, never touch them again...

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 08/07/2005 - 18:34

Mike I do it all the time but here is the rub. Remove the windscreen and the facia (dash)top. You can then get a arm in to undo the wing nut and replace the jet and tubing. George Camp