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Sun Aug 16, 2009 5:32 pm

i picked up a parts washer so i can clean some engine parts that i have. Ny question is what kind of solvent do i use and where can i get it. I picked up a engine case and i want to clean it so i can inspect it before i do anything else
thnaks

Sun Aug 16, 2009 5:58 pm

I had one from Harbor Freight. The cleaner the sell with it (at Harbor Freight mind you) stripped off the paint from the tub. I had it for a bit, but rarely used it + it turned into a rust tub so I pitched it.

Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:10 pm

My uncle had a parts washer (not HF) and used water based solvent and it rusted it out after a year or so.

He bought a new one and uses kerosene or mineral spirits and is holding up for about 6 years now.

Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:18 pm

I use paint thinner in mine. Seems to work pretty well. The local dump takes "old paint thinner" for a decent price.

Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:24 pm

so where can i pick up mineral spirits?

Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:24 pm

I have the HF parts washer. I had the water based stuff for a few months and it started to strip the paint. it sucked anyways. I will be putting kerosene in mine soon.

at work we use mineral sperits 140 but it's $7 a gallon! I haven't priced it from the local paint store though.

Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:56 pm

I have one too and bought some simple green for it it does ok but going to try kerosene or thinner next.

Sun Aug 16, 2009 8:32 pm

I used the water based as well. Sounds like if you avoid what HF sells and use simple green or something other than a water based cleaner you will be good to go.

Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:09 pm

Mineral Spirits, is Paint Thinner... At least that is what it says on my paint thinner/mineral spirits jug.....

We were getting ours for about $50 for a 5 gallon can at local petroleum distributors retails sales counter.......

For a non petroleum based cleaner, Simple Green is pretty good.......

Also if using mineral spirits in parts washer, use rubber gloves (latex or whatever) it really dries skin and will cause hands to tingle from excess exposure (that is probably an indicator of something bad)... It's also flammable.... Be safe...

Dale

Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:21 pm

i work at fastenal, we've PB blaster parts washer solvent in 1 gallon or 5 gallon buckets, and the stuff works great!! also, im setting up my own parts washer made out of an old stainless steel kitchen sink and a few drums ive got. just need to find a suitable pump.

if anyones having problems with rusting HF tubs id keep the pump and search craigslist for a good used SS or porcelain sink, those should hold up better than any steel tub.

Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:34 am

This is good stuff and it is enviro friendly. No need to wear gloves (tho it can turn your hands a nice orange color for a couple days) takes all of the gunk off with very little effort.
http://www.oxarc.com/desc.ydev?prod_id=13940
You may be able to check outher places for a better price.

Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:53 am

NOTW wrote: also, im setting up my own parts washer made out of an old stainless steel kitchen sink and a few drums ive got. just need to find a suitable pump.
I used an old electric fuel pump and a 12 volt power supply.

Max

Mon Aug 17, 2009 2:02 pm

we found a used safety clean one on Craigs list. Has a safety top too. We looked at the HarborFreight ones but they don't work with anything but water based solvents. Anything else will eventually ruin them. But we did buy one of their blast cabinets on sale for $89, resealed it and then got a new pickup from the http://gritguy.com . We also buy our glass beads from the grit guy. Works like a champ with a sears compressor.

Mon Aug 17, 2009 7:29 pm

SGKent wrote: We looked at the HarborFreight ones but they don't work with anything but water based solvents. .

I've been using paint thinner in mine for years and it still works/looks like new

Mon Aug 17, 2009 7:55 pm

#2 diesel.

Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:49 pm

I've had the HF parts cleaner for 3 years with water based cleaner stored in it, no rust problems or paint loss. I couldn't turn it down for $69.00. It works just fine using Simple Green Crystal.

Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:58 pm

As stated above, mineral spirits is oil based paint thinner. In the paint thinner aisle at the hardware store, have a look out for "Low odour paint thinner". Doesn't have the stink and won't give you a headache like the other stuff will.

Mon Aug 17, 2009 11:03 pm

Quote: for years

yes, the pumps now are not the same quality as the ones several years ago although the washers look the same. If the pump shorts out and starts a fire look out.

Tue Aug 18, 2009 2:14 pm

I picked up the HF crap and used the water based Catapiller cleaner. Stripped the paint overnight and swelled the pump up to where it will not work. The hole where the pump attaches on allows the vapors out along with the stink.

Other than that, it is a pretty good work bench now.