freebird914 Posted December 18, 2005 Posted December 18, 2005 Just wondering what people are using in their parts washers.. Right now I am working on some projects that need to use a parts washer any suggestions? Thanks Quote
irnsrgn Posted December 18, 2005 Posted December 18, 2005 I don't have room for a parts washer, I have 2 neighbors that have them so I use theres. both of them use a commrcial solvent that a company comes around and removes the old and puts in a new batch every once in a while. Diesel or Kerosene works well also if this service is not available. Even commercial solvent is very flammable and the fumes generated by evaporation from ANY SOLVENT are highly flammable. Gasoline, paint thinners and such are also used by some as a parts cleaner, but they leave a film behind that has a tendency to BREAK THE OIL FILM necessary for lubrication and usually insure premature bearing failure. Quote
HWooldridge Posted December 18, 2005 Posted December 18, 2005 I use D-Limonene, which is a citrus oil based solvent. Will cut most anything, not hazardous to handle and not readily flammable. It will burn if started on a cloth but doesn't flash. I bought some at the local chemical solvent company in a 55 gal drum. However, I do have one caution to share. I had been using and replenishing my tank for a number of months and during that time, I washed a variety of parts, some of which had traces of other solvents. One day, I noticed that the paint inside the tank was peeling, but I continued to use the solvent. Later that evening, I noticed a bad chemical burn on my hands that took several weeks to heal and you can still see faint scars. Something had reacted with the other materials and caused a toxic brew. Of course, I probably could never recreate the precise mix but it's worth changing the solution every so often - which is another good reason to use a chemical service company that does it for a living. Something to consider... :wink: Quote
scrapman1077 Posted December 18, 2005 Posted December 18, 2005 You may not think its true, but the foaming bathroom cleaner works great ! Quote
pjskinner Posted December 19, 2005 Posted December 19, 2005 cheap oven cleaner -or- simple green degreaser works good to Quote
Mills Posted December 19, 2005 Posted December 19, 2005 For degreasing I recommend TSP that can be found at paint supply places. Works good and doesn't leave your metal as exposed to rusting due to the phosphates in it. Not sure if it leaves a film on metal though. Quote
Ten Hammers Posted December 19, 2005 Posted December 19, 2005 I don't have a parts washer either. When I DO need to clean something up ( or to remove drilling/cutting fluid from a part ), I use brake parts cleaner ( aerosol can). Tri-sodium Phosphate ( TSP ) works very well too. It has been sold for wallpaper remover and wall prep for painting for many years. You do need to read the box and mix accordingly and wear what they say to wear when you handle it. This stuff is also in car wash soap. It will also neutralize acid. I don't have a bunch of need for parts cleaner. I buy brake parts cleaner for couple bucks a can on sale at NAPA or wherever else has it on sale. Handy stuff. READ THE CAN ! It works well to prep new metal ( taking the film off ) prior to painting. Quote
Ralph Posted December 20, 2005 Posted December 20, 2005 I use TSP to clean/sterilize my beer making stuff and bottles.... 8) Quote
John McPherson Posted December 20, 2005 Posted December 20, 2005 Take one surplus steel GI ammo can with gasket (or similar container), insert grubby parts, cover with kerosene, diesel or non-flammable liquid of choice. Bungee securely in back of pickup. Drive to work for a week or so. Repeat as needed. Potholes, curves, grades, gravel roads and RR crossings improve efficiency. Works great on tractor parts, blower gears, etc. Quote
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