Washer fluid operation and leak problem

My '81 leaks fluid until it is totally dry. Also, when I fill it up, instead of shooting a stream at the windshield, as they do on most cars, the washers on the Vette just lay down a layer of fluid on the glass - and not a lot of fluid. Some questions:

It's not leaking around the pump or hose. I'm guessing the tank froze at some point and cracked. Any common sources of this problem I need to know about?

Rik's doesn't carry the tank for an '81, only '79s and below. Anyone know of a source other than a Vette salvage yard?

Is my system operating propoerly or should there be a strong stream of fluid splashing off the windshield.

You guys are the greatest. Thanks in advance for your ideas!

my tank was cracked on my 79. couldn't find a way to get it out until I replaced my brake booster. it was easy then. can't help you with your stream question. I haven't been able to use the washer. my car's still in the shop. good luck.
Hank

The tank on my '78 is cracked as well. I see no easy way of replacing it until the master cylinder and power brake booster get removed first. Until I have that need, it will just have to stay that way.

The previous owner of my 75 provided me with a new tank and the old one when I got the car last year. It wasn't installed, but I put it in and replaced the pump and it worked well without problem.

I'm not sure where he purchased it, but it was new so there must be a place somewhere that has them.
Glenn

Seem to have found my problem. Leak must have been where the filler neck meets the tank, as this morning the leak had stopped and the fluid level was just below that connection.

One remaining question: Should the washers shoot a real stream of fluid at the windshield as it does on most cars, or should it just lay down a low-pressure, low volume layer of fluid on the glass as mine does? I've never had a car with the fluid coming out of tube on the wiper arms and so close to the glass...

chesh said: Seem to have found my problem. Leak must have been where the filler neck meets the tank, as this morning the leak had stopped and the fluid level was just below that connection.

You're lucky! Mine was cracked and had to be replaced. And like others stated above, I could not get the darn thing out to save my life! I wound up letting a shop do it for me. I should have asked how they did it. Oh well. Hoepfully it'll never have to be replaced again!

chesh said: One remaining question: Should the washers shoot a real stream of fluid at the windshield as it does on most cars, or should it just lay down a low-pressure, low volume layer of fluid on the glass as mine does? I've never had a car with the fluid coming out of tube on the wiper arms and so close to the glass...

As far as I know, since it is coming from the wiper arm, it is not going to send a large mist of fluid... it just should put water in front of the entire length of the blade. You'll probably have to spray it a few times to get it really clear.