Thread: Parts Washer

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The kids got me a parts washer for my birthday, 20 gallon capacity holds up to 12 gallons of solvent. What works best for solvent in one of these? The instructions are liability limiting, saying to use a water based, non-corrosive solvent, which I take to be something like Simple Green or a similar detergent type product. I'm looking for something that has a bit more cleaning power on grease & oils.

Stanasol cleans parts good, though a bit rough on the hands.... I use a biodegradable cleaner in the big parts washer....can't remember the brand right off, parts store gets it for me here in town. Best part with the biodegradeable, don't have to worry about washing it down the drain or anything like that.... Parts store I get mine from is a Car Quest, might check with them if you have one locally?????

I'm using mineral spirits that you buy in 5 gallon cans. At first I bought the water based one where you mix 50% water and 50% the chemical. It ate the paint right off of the insides of the washer! I took it back to Northern and they gave me a new one since I had bought the washer and the chemical from them, and since using the mineral spirits I have had no problems.

I haven't had the occasion to use it for the past couple of years but am thinking of changing the liquid and starting to use it again.

Don

i use mineral spirts in the small washer that i have some magnetics in the drain.to help keep it clean .i will let it run thru a paper towel. i only use it to wash somewhat clean parts . i use Safety Kleen in jet washer and use ZEP they both sell cleaners

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I'm using mineral spirits that you buy in 5 gallon cans. At first I bought the water based one where you mix 50% water and 50% the chemical. It ate the paint right off of the insides of the washer! I took it back to Northern and they gave me a new one since I had bought the washer and the chemical from them, and since using the mineral spirits I have had no problems.

I haven't had the occasion to use it for the past couple of years but am thinking of changing the liquid and starting to use it again.

Don

Don,
Where do you find mineral spirits in bulk? I have never seen bigger than a gallon at the big box stores like Lowe's or Home Depot, but then I have not looked, either.

Northern Tool has it. I think about $ 20 in 5 gallon can.

Update..........I went on Northerns site and it looks like they discontinued it, or at least it didn't show up for me. It's been 2 years or so since I bought it so maybe that has changed.

I did a little digging on the internet and one site says Sherwin Williams stores carry it in 5 gallon cans, but I couldn't find it there either. I would call Northern and see if they still carry it. It is going to cost you about $ 80 to $ 100 to fill it up the first time, but if you do the magnet routine and keep draining the gook off of the bottom when it settles it lasts a while.

Don

big oil dealer hear in town. is were i buy it. you could buy it at a paint store as well it use as a thinner.

if the pump is not sitting in bottom of the barrel it will not suck junk up and it will keep the pump happy... if its sitting on the bottom shim it up. like i said i use the one i have for rebuilding engine s use it evey day out of the week i clean the barrel one time in 7 years. but i use it to clean somewhat clean parts and never run any thing thru the hot tank or jet washer with out a good scraping first

I use paint thinner in mine and I get about three years out of a change.
I buy it in 5 gallon cans at the local paint store. 15 gallons for 45.00

Thanks guys, it sounds like mineral spirits is the best choice for me. Now I need to go shopping at the local paint suppliers. Pat, thanks for the tip on the pump - mine is in an enclosure to the side that has a mesh & paper filter, and the pump inlet is maybe an inch off the bottom of the sink. Should be good for some sediment room.

I made my own washer, and put the pump 6" off the bottom. 4" of water, then Varsol. The heavy crud sinks in the water and keeps the Varsol clean. Drain it once a year.

I use simple green. Avaliable from the local bulk oil supplier. I bring my own cans. Last year it was 2.39 a gallon

Originally Posted by R Pope

I made my own washer, and put the pump 6" off the bottom. 4" of water, then Varsol. The heavy crud sinks in the water and keeps the Varsol clean. Drain it once a year.

Got any pics and/or parts list for the washer you made? I have been thinking of purchasing one, but I would prefer to make my own if it is possible.

The pump was out of a wringer-type washing machine, lots of luck finding one of those now! The reservoir was just a barrel, today I'd use a plastic one. A big kitchen sink and some metal flex hose and you're in business. It's built in to the end of my shop bench, doesn't get used as much as I thought. The local car wash is just too convenient!

Originally Posted by R Pope

The pump was out of a wringer-type washing machine, lots of luck finding one of those now! The reservoir was just a barrel, today I'd use a plastic one. A big kitchen sink and some metal flex hose and you're in business. It's built in to the end of my shop bench, doesn't get used as much as I thought. The local car wash is just too convenient!

Thanks. Yeah, wringer washer pumps are probably as rare as deuce coupes. I'll have to do a bit more research to see if it is feasible to make one.