How can I get the most out of my Parts Washer?
 

I have a 20 gal Harbor Freight Parts washer.

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(mine is all red)

I currently use a diluted water based, biodegradable cleaning fluid. (the instructions say not to use a petrol based solvent)

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This works alright but I'd like better, faster degreasing. Any recommendations on a better water based cleaning fluid or where I can find a replacement pump that will handle diesel or other solvents?

Purple Stuff......

I have the same one, I use standard parts solvent. I think they're tell you to use the other stuff cause it's GREEN. And of course it doesn't work well.

simple green?

I''ve been very disappointed by the performance of the water solubile solvents. I actually was able to tear up some pretty serious grease with a spray bottle of simple green. I seem to remember people around here saying it hurts aluminum(?)

Anyway, SG is the only water based solvent I've come across that actually degreases at all.

-Dan

I have had one of those for 15 years and have always used mineral spirits that I buy in 5 gallon containers from an auto paint supply store. It works OK, but I am sure there are better more expensive solvents to be had.

I've always had a question about using water-based solvents in a metal tank. Any potential rusting issues? And the instructions suggest NOT to use oil-based solvents?

Sherwood

Simple green is corrosive to aluminum and other non ferrous parts and is banned by the military on aircraft. And yes, will rust ferrous metals. Dry cleaning solvent (PD-680) or a mineral spirits would be my choice of solvents.

Kerosene works very well. Yes, I am kidding.

Is there any special hazard using the mineral spirits with an electric pump? I am having the same issues with the water based "solvents".

Thanks,
Tom

You shouldn't be kidding. Kerosene works; has fairly low flash point and relatively inexpensive. PS: See correction below (#13)

Pumps designed to circulate cleaning solvent should be safe to use with solvent. However, confirm with the manufacturer to be on the safe side.

Sherwood

I was under the assumption that oil based solvents could eat through the pump on these inexpensive tanks.

A low flash point for a solvent is good? :eek:

Dan

Actually no, quite bad. Excuse my antonymic response. Replace with "high flash point".

Thanks for saving lives.

Sherwood

Kerosene does in fact make an outstanding solvent, but I still wouldn't fill a solvent tank with it.

Pre-soak in diesel. Cheap, works, lasts a long time....

I have the same parts cleaner as you do. In fact I had the same questions in this forum. (see Cleaning fluid) That being said, I started using Mineral Spirits as recommended by this forum.
It works fairly good, but you will still need to use some brake or carb cleaner on the stubborn spots. By the way Mineral Spirits wont harm the pump, and it is combustable not flammable. I just make sure to have some ventilation while using. I almost bought the same cleaner you have pictured. Until I read the caution label on the back that states it is damaging to aluminum.

******** Solvent is what you want to ask for. I have used it in my big parts washer, and my little washer ( just like yours) for years. No problems using it with the pump, at least I have not blown myself up yet. The stuff cleans great, and drys quickly. I get it at the local fuel oil company.

So does this type of parts washer (GLenn OP) have a holding tank to keep vapors from filling up your garage? Or do you have to drain it after every use? I'm thinking of buying one soon but not sure of how they store the solvent.

Been using varsol in mine for the last 20 years with no explosion, our spray cleaner booths between the hangars at work use varsol as well and we haven't blown any aircrafts sky high yet ... lol

Guys,there is no danger whatsoever in using varsol in your parts cleaner,although i would keep the lid closed when welding nearby :)

Cheers !
Phil

LPS makes a nice line of water based cleaners. I use LPS's Precision Clean Multi purpose cleaner/degreaser. It's sold in 1,5, & 55 gal containers and can be diluted with water or run straight. With any water based cleaner if you add heat they clean better. I use the above product in my heated parts washer and i like the way it works. It doesn't clean as quickly as safety clean but it does work well and is safer for you and the environment. You might want to add a heater element to your tank if you go the water based route. Maybe heat it up a few hours before you use it.
I'm an LPS distributor (among other lines) and have worked with their area rep and that's what he recommended as a cost effective cleaner for my parts washer. He also gave me a sample of T-91 cleaner. This stuff is supposed to be as effective as the solvent based cleaners but still non-solvent based and much safer. I haven't looked up the pricing on the T-91 but I think it might be on the pricier side. You can google these 2 products for more info. i hope this info helps you out.

Do water-based cleaners have any potential rust issues in a steel tank? Does water, being in solution rather than separated when using petroleum-based solvent, negate the rust corrosion?

Thanks,
Sherwood

I know that LPS adds rust inhibitors to prevent flash rusting so it's probably safe in a steel tank. I can't comment on other cleaners however.

Not an air tight seal at all. A solvent with strong vapors would have o be drained after use. The cleaner I m using now is water based and vapor free.

Water based solvents can work. you need a couple things to boost them up a bit.

1. Heat. Heat water based solvents and they all work better. Get an immersion type heater and use it to heat the solvent to 160 deg or so. I have a dishwasher type power parts washer that uses water based solvent and it heats to 180. The hotter the better. If the solution has rust inhibitor it will often prevent rust better than solvent based cleaners will. With hot water based solutions the parts come out hot and a fast blow dry with some compressed air leaves them bone dry and protected with inhibitor. the inside of the parts washer is standard untreated steel. The solution sits in it year round and there is little if any rust.

2. Sodium metasilicate. This is the active ingredient on many of the water based solvents. You can get it by itself and in careful portions you can boost the cleaning power of the solution.

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Several companies that sell metal parts washer also sell water-based solvents, specifically Kafka's Oil Eater water-based cleaner which I also use.

Oil Eater - Industrial & Household Cleaners, Absorbents, & Cleaning Equipment

This website might be helpful:
Small Parts (Bead Blasting and Solvents)

Sherwood

If I were to bore a hole in the side of my tank and install water heater element from the local hardware store and wire it to a switch. Do you think that would work?