parts washers
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: okla
parts washers
Anyone else have a parts washer in their shop? I bought one from Harbor Freight. It says to only use water based cleaners with it. Really not worth the space it consumes in the shop. has anyone ventured as far as to try kerosene or similar in one of these. I am very tempted. Joe
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From: Waynesville, OH
OK, now for the mandatory safety lecture. If you are using something flammable in an open parts washer, try to rig up a simple hinged lid that is held open by a lead wire. Commercial units usually have this type of safety feature so the lead wire melts in a fire and the lid snuffs out any flames. That lid and wire can save your a$$ mighty quick - don't ask me how I know.
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
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From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
Joe,
I don't think the flammability thing is the problem... although it's a seperate problem..
I think the units made to use water soluable stuff will not hold up to a petroleum based cleaner... it will dissolve the pump or associated parts... kinda like putting gasoline in a styrofoam cup...
you can buy replacement pumps for the units that are petroleum or solvent resistant...
I have an old table top unit I "APPROPRIATED" from safety clean thru a divorce sale... I use Super Agitene solvent in it and boy is it nice... no bad smell... no layers of epidermis removed... and a very good parts cleaner... a little $$$$$ at around 50 bucks for 5 gallons... but it last forever...I'm on 5 years with mine now and it's still fine and cleaning well...
hope that helps... and check with Grainger for the replacement pump sets
later
john
I don't think the flammability thing is the problem... although it's a seperate problem..
I think the units made to use water soluable stuff will not hold up to a petroleum based cleaner... it will dissolve the pump or associated parts... kinda like putting gasoline in a styrofoam cup...
you can buy replacement pumps for the units that are petroleum or solvent resistant...
I have an old table top unit I "APPROPRIATED" from safety clean thru a divorce sale... I use Super Agitene solvent in it and boy is it nice... no bad smell... no layers of epidermis removed... and a very good parts cleaner... a little $$$$$ at around 50 bucks for 5 gallons... but it last forever...I'm on 5 years with mine now and it's still fine and cleaning well...
hope that helps... and check with Grainger for the replacement pump sets
later
john
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Peoria, IL (more or less)
Joe,
Oddly enough, the version that is "solvent" compatible appears identical to the water-based version. You can (& I have) buy a regular pump and convert it. I have not been brave or foolhardy enough to try the original pump with safety solvent, let alone kerosene. It looks like it is chock-full of non-compatible plastics.
This same washer is available under several different brand names, some of each type. I forget where I got the pump, but I'm thinking it was Menard's (like Home Depot, only worse.). It was marketed as a replacement.
Mike
Oddly enough, the version that is "solvent" compatible appears identical to the water-based version. You can (& I have) buy a regular pump and convert it. I have not been brave or foolhardy enough to try the original pump with safety solvent, let alone kerosene. It looks like it is chock-full of non-compatible plastics.
This same washer is available under several different brand names, some of each type. I forget where I got the pump, but I'm thinking it was Menard's (like Home Depot, only worse.). It was marketed as a replacement.
Mike
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From: NM
I think there's more to the "requirement" for water-based solvents than just the pump. The electrical gear (switch mostly) would have to be rated for hazardous atmospheres if aromatic solvents were to be allowed. Likewise the power leads would have to be in sealed conduit, not a cord like most I've seen. It is possible for the vapors from a tank full of solvent to accumulate in the switchbox on a "regular" enclosure and with a regular household switch, you could get a good pop from flicking the switch.
The purple cleaner sold at AutoZone works well in these.
The purple cleaner sold at AutoZone works well in these.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Minnesota
I would go with the water based cleaner but heat the cleaner. I have seen heaters for this purpose.
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Peoria, IL (more or less)
Dunno. My pump & switch is all one unit. Supposed to be sealed. And, I think it's probably made in China, so it's gotta be "quality", right? 
Of course, it is about two foot below the overhead light switch....Did I pay the house insurance lately?
Of course, it is about two foot below the overhead light switch....Did I pay the house insurance lately?
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From: okla
Originally Posted by xfordman
I use mineral spirits in mine. Its $2.39 a gallon which is comparable to diesel fuel and works much better.
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XFM
'53 F100
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XFM
'53 F100
Thanks for all the comments guys. I have tried many water based solvents, but not Auto Zones. I will try it . I will also see what Grainger has, got one down the street. Who sells a reasonably priced unit that will accept petroleum based solvents? Thanks again, Joe
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
I have one of those small (3.5 gallons) table top units. I just got it and havent filled it yet. I've been using a rubbermaid container with a product called Greased Lightning (similar to Simple Green) from the local hardware store which seems to work really well (use gloves for long exposures). As soon as I can clear some decent work space I will fill up the table top unit and see how it works
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: 45 minutes East of Frisco
Water based solvent?
I think if it is a metal solvent tank... you're safe to use mineral spritis.
I bought mine at one of those cheapasstool places... about 11 years ago... had to replace the pump once, but my wife found a "good" one... and it's still ticking.
Sam.
I think if it is a metal solvent tank... you're safe to use mineral spritis.
I bought mine at one of those cheapasstool places... about 11 years ago... had to replace the pump once, but my wife found a "good" one... and it's still ticking.
Sam.
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From: Grain Valley Mo.
Originally Posted by Joe Gaddy
I do use mineral spirits myself, just not in the cabinet. Did your cleaner come marked as "water based solvents only"?
Thanks for all the comments guys. I have tried many water based solvents, but not Auto Zones. I will try it . I will also see what Grainger has, got one down the street. Who sells a reasonably priced unit that will accept petroleum based solvents? Thanks again, Joe
Thanks for all the comments guys. I have tried many water based solvents, but not Auto Zones. I will try it . I will also see what Grainger has, got one down the street. Who sells a reasonably priced unit that will accept petroleum based solvents? Thanks again, Joe
I really don't know. Santa brought it for me and I used it for a work bench for about a year. (40 gal. model) By the time I got ready to fill it the instructions were gone. I work part time at a motorcycle shop and the mechanics said they used mineral spirits in theirs so thats what I bought. My shop is only heated when I'm out there. Would water based solvents freeze? That would be a big popsickle.
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XFM
'53 F100