Got some questions.

Been doing a little research and searching on here but still don't have an answer.

I am interested in getting a parts washer. Either buy one or find a shop to pay to do parts cleaning on bulk (well when I have a few parts ready)

I found a Carolina Tool 30 gal drum cleaner on CL for $175 w/ 5 gallons of mineral spirits. Good deal?

I know what thay do but not exactly how they work. I was worried about going through 30 gallons in a few month and having a hard time trying to get rid of the waste liquid. Than when reading I found out you reuse the liquid untill it dosen't do its job any more. So now I am wondering what happens to the debris from cleaning? Is there a trap of sorts that you empty?

Also doing a search here it seems basic "Simple Green" bought from the store and mixed with water will do the cleaning job as well (I was reading that thread and got lost when they moved onto some other cleaner or started talking in abreviations). Provided there is little to no debris the "Simple Green" solution can be flushed (or down the drain)?

If it's going to be a pain to get rid of waste liquid it might just be better for me to hook up with a local shop if possible.

A few years ago I had a shop check a 4 cyl head for me and they only charged like $5-$10 to clean it, before telling me there was a crack between a intake and exhaust valve.

Lots of questions

Thank you

 

Here's my experience with the stuff:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...ts-washer.html

 

that is the thread I got lost on. After post #3 I was like.... huh???

Where did napa come in and green label and purple label...... But I did get the gist of it and would at least try it for a non hazardous method.

 

There is an industrial version of Simple Green available, but you have to hunt for it. The green stuff is available everywhere, but I got mine a Lowes.
I had the filter mount, and it came from Napa. It fits the old Ford filter, a Napa 1515 or FL1A.

 

See I am totally clueless on parts washers. I did not know there was any kind of filter on them never mind a spin on type.

 

Normally, they only have this little pad filter that helps to strain some of what goes into the pump box, but Simple Green carries a lot of grit so I added the spin on filter. It made a huge difference in the effectiveness of the stuff, plus it didn't feel gritty anymore.

 

How is the Simple Green on pumps and such, as well as freezing? I made the mistake of using Purple Power in one, and ruined it all due to freezing and the chemical incompatibility with the pump and paint. Luckily the tank was cheap, but still had the cost of replacement...

 

It worked fine for about a year, then I had to move and could not bring it. The pump I used was for this sort of stuff, and I didn't notice any other issues. I did put a lamp under the tank to keep it warm but in western WA it didn't really freeze during the winter.

 

mine drains into a basin that overflows through a circular air filter and falls to the bottom of the drum and is pumped back to the sink via the brush/hose assembly