The MGA windscreen washer was a factory optional extra throughout production, many cars left the factory without one and had a washer added at dealer level or by the owner later. The original system is a Tudor-branded manually-operated washer bottle mounted under the bonnet, with a foot-operated or hand-pumped valve drawing fluid from the reservoir to the chrome jet on the scuttle, and a "Push" button on the dashboard wired into the system. This page covers the original-pattern manual washer hardware plus modern electric conversion kits for owners wanting a more convenient operation.
Original Tudor Washer System
The original MGA washer is the Tudor pattern, a glass or plastic reservoir bottle mounted in the engine bay, with a top assembly carrying the pump mechanism and the connections for the fluid line. The washer system was operated by a foot valve under the dashboard or a manual pump (depending on the period of the car), drawing washer fluid from the bottle through 2/15-inch ID tubing to the chrome washer jet mounted on the scuttle in front of the windscreen. The dashboard control is the white "Push" button referenced in the Guide as part of the standard instrument layout, distinguished from the other (black) controls by its colour.
Production Change, Washer Bottle Neck Diameter
The washer bottle neck was enlarged at chassis 80390 (1600, November 1959) and Twin Cam chassis 2544, increasing from 1 7/16 inch in diameter to 2 5/16 inch. The control module was also modified at the same time.
This means cars from late November 1959 onwards take a different bottle-and-top combination than earlier cars, and ordering the correct part for the chassis range matters for a proper-fitting installation.
Washer Bottle and Top Assembly
A complete washer bottle plus top assembly is supplied for cars where both the bottle and the cap/pump assembly require renewal. The bottle on its own is also stocked for installations where the original top is being retained. The Tudor reproduction label is offered as an additional period-correct detail to dress the front of the bottle.
Foot Valve and Manual Pump
The foot-operated washer valve fits under the dashboard, with the rubber-actuated mechanism driving fluid from the reservoir to the windscreen jet when pressed. The reproduction manual washer pump (WASHER PUMP MANUAL REPRO) is the alternative arrangement for cars where a hand-pumped operation is preferred, or where the original foot valve is being replaced. Both routes deliver fluid to the same chrome scuttle jet.
Tubing, Grommets and Jet
Washer tubing is offered in two internal diameters, 2/15 inch and 1/8 inch, to suit different connection points across the system. The extra-large grommet (2/15) seals the tubing where it passes through the bulkhead or scuttle.
The chrome washer jet single fits the scuttle aperture in front of the windscreen, replacing the original jet where it has corroded or has been damaged. Mounting screws (No. 10 32TPI UNF recessed pan-head with matching nuts and washers in plain and locking spring patterns) complete the small fixings list.
Electric Washer Conversion Kits
Two electric washer conversion kits are stocked for owners wanting to upgrade from manual to electric operation. The Lucas-switch kit uses a period-correct Lucas dashboard switch (matching the rest of the Lucas switchgear in the MGA dashboard); the toggle-switch kit uses a generic toggle switch for installations where the original Lucas switch position is not required. Both kits replace the manual pump with an electric pump and add the necessary wiring to integrate with the existing 12-volt electrical system.
Polarity Note for Electric Conversions
All MGAs were originally supplied with positive-earth electrical systems. The electric pump in either conversion kit must be wired to suit the car's polarity at installation, pumps are normally polarity-correct for negative-earth systems, so on a positive-earth MGA the connections may need to be reversed for correct pump operation. Cars converted to negative earth (a common modification on MGAs used regularly) accept the kit as supplied.
Ordering Considerations
Three points should be confirmed before ordering. First, whether the original manual system is being maintained or whether an electric conversion is being fitted. Second, for manual systems, the chassis range, pre-80390 (early bottle, 1 7/16-inch neck) or from 80390 onwards (later bottle, 2 5/16-inch neck), which affects the bottle-and-top combination. Third, for electric conversions, the choice between the Lucas switch (period-correct) and toggle switch (more flexible installation) and the car's electrical polarity.