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Sat Jan 26, 2019 9:36 am

Some years ago I came across some people cleaning engine parts in a dishwasher. It's a great way to decrease components and make everything more fun. So today I decided to make it happen.

I sourced a Bosch table machine that I think would be great for me. They say bigger is better. But this one should be fine for me.

Looks like this:

Rebuild:
First I need to see it its runs and what's wrong. I found out the lid had a bad bushing so I guess that's the only problem and the owner didn't know how to fix it. I managed to source the component with a local dealer, Bosch prices it at 3 dollars. So I guess I might pay the double after his commission. I took two! Then my lid will be fine for a lifetime.

Took the machine apart to examine it. Removed the inlet valve, some wiring to the disposal pump (will use this one later) and located most components I need to be aware of. I will cycle the cleaning medium round in the machine so I can reuse it as many times as I want. So the outlet will direct go to the inlet again. Will see how the final plumbing will be later on. Also got some suggestions adding some extra filter to lower the wear and tear on the machine components. The disposal pump Ill connect on a button and use it to pump out the medium when I want to change it. Making it a simple process.

The machine will use an alkaline industrial cleaning fluid, the same one as you can use in an ultrasonic cleaner. I guess there are plenty of trading names. Pick one that does not foam!

Next weekend everything will be all set and installed. Cost so far only the "6" dollars for the components and some fluid, a bargain. Why haven't I done this before.. You should do it right away! Took me two hours including writing this. And probably another two before its done during the upcoming week.

Size estmation

Drain, two different vales. One to cycle, one for drain.

Broken hinge, probably the reason for scrapping it.

Inlet valve, removed.

Flooding sensors etc. Good to keep for safety.

Here I will reconnect the outlet to the inlet. Will have to run it a bit to see where the water will cycle before reconnecting things.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 9:41 am

I would guess that any harsh chemicals will degrade the seals and plastic parts over time.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 9:47 am

Glenn wrote: I would guess that any harsh chemicals will degrade the seals and plastic parts over time.

True, aluminium also. That why you pick an alkaline medium, it's literally a soda and the machine is built for it. Watch out for aluminium and magnesium parts before you found a proper one. Some might colour or destroy your surface.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 10:47 am

Ive used my dish washer for years in my shop, I recently bought a new one for the house and the house unit will go into the shop as it has better pressure so it will washer better/faster. the one in the shop now is from the early 70's.....I just use dollar store dishwasher soap.Im sure there is somethen better, but it works. I also place a few small trays in the bottom of the unit to collect the dirt that comes off so all of the dirt isant running through the pump.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 11:08 am

Cool. But I second the advice to plumb in some type of filter between the outlet and inlet to remove the particulates. Could be as simple as running the outlet through a piece of aluminum window screen into a bucket then have the pump pull off the bottom of the bucket.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 12:22 pm

We used to use a dishwasher at my work to clean parts after tumbling them. That was until the idiot who loaded it would put parts in with tumbling stones stuck in parts and they killed the dishwasher. The kid was a little slow. So keep big pieces out of it.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 12:25 pm

rodeking wrote: Cool. But I second the advice to plumb in some type of filter between the outlet and inlet to remove the particulates. Could be as simple as running the outlet through a piece of aluminum window screen into a bucket then have the pump pull off the bottom of the bucket.

I agree, could be as simple as a gravity filter and empty it every now and then.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 12:56 pm

It seems like your discussing how to make your dishwasher do what a heavy duty parts washer should be doing. Nobody should be trying to put greasy nasty parts in a dishwasher.

Dishwashers are great for the final step of the cleaning process.
By using dishwashing detergent with bleach, you can get a nice uniform look, and this is where a dishwasher really does a great job.

You can skip trying to convert your dishwasher to run backwards,.. er I mean trying to make it do something its not. Just use a $50 solvent based parts washer first to get most the greasy nasty stuff off then use the disheasher how its meant to as a final step and using its intended soap for the nice uniform finish.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 1:30 pm

jpaull wrote: It seems like your discussing how to make your dishwasher do what a heavy duty parts washer should be doing. Nobody should be trying to put greasy nasty parts in a dishwasher.

Dishwashers are great for the final step of the cleaning process.
By using dishwashing detergent with bleach, you can get a nice uniform look, and this is where a dishwasher really does a great job.

You can skip trying to convert your dishwasher to run backwards,.. er I mean trying to make it do something its not. Just use a $50 solvent based parts washer first to get most the greasy nasty stuff off then use the disheasher how its meant to as a final step and using its intended soap for the nice uniform finish.
Screw that, my time is worth something, if I can toss some stuff in, push a button and go do something else I'm ahead. Old dishwashers are free or almost free, if I get a year or two out of one before it has a meltdown I've still done my little part to save the planet by prolonging it's life and repurposing it for a while, I'm a hero! And most of the cleaners are biodegradeable and easy to dispose of, not so much with that stinky old solvent.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 1:55 pm

busdaddy wrote: jpaull wrote: It seems like your discussing how to make your dishwasher do what a heavy duty parts washer should be doing. Nobody should be trying to put greasy nasty parts in a dishwasher.

Dishwashers are great for the final step of the cleaning process.
By using dishwashing detergent with bleach, you can get a nice uniform look, and this is where a dishwasher really does a great job.

You can skip trying to convert your dishwasher to run backwards,.. er I mean trying to make it do something its not. Just use a $50 solvent based parts washer first to get most the greasy nasty stuff off then use the disheasher how its meant to as a final step and using its intended soap for the nice uniform finish.
Screw that, my time is worth something, if I can toss some stuff in, push a button and go do something else I'm ahead. Old dishwashers are free or almost free, if I get a year or two out of one before it has a meltdown I've still done my little part to save the planet by prolonging it's life and repurposing it for a while, I'm a hero! And most of the cleaners are biodegradeable and easy to dispose of, not so much with that stinky old solvent.

If its working for you already, great. I tried it and had to use real solvent to get the heavy stuff off.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 2:40 pm

jpaull wrote: It seems like your discussing how to make your dishwasher do what a heavy duty parts washer should be doing. Nobody should be trying to put greasy nasty parts in a dishwasher.

Dishwashers are great for the final step of the cleaning process.
By using dishwashing detergent with bleach, you can get a nice uniform look, and this is where a dishwasher really does a great job.

You can skip trying to convert your dishwasher to run backwards,.. er I mean trying to make it do something its not. Just use a $50 solvent based parts washer first to get most the greasy nasty stuff off then use the disheasher how its meant to as a final step and using its intended soap for the nice uniform finish.

I got ya, I'll keep my things for myself in the future. Just because there is a label on something does not say its the only thing it can do. Fundamental understanding of technology is for me something interesting, just because I can pay someone to do it for me does not say I'll do it that way. As for all of us, this is a hobby. I don't need to count my hours and evaluate alternative costs here. Some people play instruments, other people build things, and we also have a few who are upset about other peoples ideas. It's a free world, spend your time any way you like.

Talking about trying to make it do something it's not. Why do we even hang out on a forum talking about replacing a daily driver with an old car that we spend crazy amounts of money and time on? Pay me 50 bucks and I'll tell you. If you want me to tell you twice, you can pay twice. Your pick.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 5:02 pm

I havent had any issues with nasty parts in my dish washer...it's not the dishwasher in the house and my good china dosent go in to it...oops well i reckon my good china does.... :shock: :roll: :wink: you couls alaso make a screen to catch some of the partickulate before the pump gets it.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 5:29 pm

mark tucker wrote: ...oops well i reckon my good china does.... :shock: :roll: :wink:
I see what you did there :P

Sat Jan 26, 2019 5:35 pm

No man,
Don’t keep it to yourself!
I want to see how it works out.
I have an old dishwasher sitting in my garage right now. I even have a hot water pipe nearby I can solder into.
Don’t let the naysayers get to you.
It’s only through human ingenuity and creativity that we even survive.
“Share and be Righteous” That was my little saying as a youth. Mostly I was referring to Pot though, not ideas.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 6:00 pm

I've really thought about just machine dish washing soap as well, my guess is it's aluminum and mag safe since they do have aluminum pots and pans.

I'd probably put a tray or something near the bottom if you have really nasty stuff to catch big particles coming off to keep from recirculating and allow easy clean out.

Some have the discharge pump into a drum set up above the dishwasher and then gravity feeds it. These typically have a rough filtering system for the dirty water before it gets reused.

I've really thought about doing a pre-wash/ clean set up of a heated drum to let the parts soak so they can get blasted easier.

Sat Jan 26, 2019 6:35 pm

When we built our house I had them put in hot and cold water line hookups (outdoor hose type spigots) and a drain connection in the house wall of the garage. Did it specifically for parts washing in our "retired" portable Maytag dishwasher. :D

Sat Jan 26, 2019 9:09 pm

Dishwashers are great for cleaning moderately greasy stuff, even using regular old dishwashing detergent. Try to use them to degrease really filthy caked on grime, well then you'll be here asking about cleaning the dishwasher.

Honestly, Busdaddy made a good point. Put the stuff in, hit the button and go do something else. I have a large soaking tank and parts washer, but only use it for really bad stuff because it's time scrubbing, and then I stink like solvent. The trash day dishwasher is mostly a hands off operation :wink:

Sat Jan 26, 2019 9:17 pm

Pppfff.. Go big or go home! :wink:

https://www.asedeals.com/other-tools-and-equipment/parts-washer/spray-wash-cabinets/

Repurposing used kitchen dishwashers? Rookies! :lol:

Now, I just need the "go fund me" to buy one of these babies! :D

Sat Jan 26, 2019 11:51 pm

jeffrey8164 wrote: No man,
Don’t keep it to yourself!
I want to see how it works out.
I have an old dishwasher sitting in my garage right now. I even have a hot water pipe nearby I can solder into.
Don’t let the naysayers get to you.
It’s only through human ingenuity and creativity that we even survive.
“Share and be Righteous” That was my little saying as a youth. Mostly I was referring to Pot though, not ideas.

Actually, you don't even need a water connection. That's why I cycle the water inside the machine. Plug it to the wall and place it anywhere it won't freeze and you are done. And reconnect some parts to avoid the dishwasher system to behave as if it was plats and cups inside. The inlet valve for instance.

The "soap" you'll use is the key to a good result. Just normal dishwasher tablets will ofc do something, but with the right medium, it will do great. I got a suggestion from another guy building one to use a brand called "Process AL". I guess its just a trading name and perhaps is under another name in the US. Its Sodium metasilicate 5-10 % and octanol 1-3 % according to the spec. Used for ultrasonic cleaners among some. That one won't miscolour your aluminium and weaken your magnesium parts my source states. They suggest an operating temp around 60-80C for a good result. So depending on the machines standard settings, you might have to manipulate the temp limiter a bit. I've seen people just putting a meat thermometer inside to double check the temp during operations.

And by the way, don't let the waste water out in the drain. Bring it to any recycle station when you are done. Mark it sodium/oil if you use my suggested medium.

esde wrote: Dishwashers are great for cleaning moderately greasy stuff, even using regular old dishwashing detergent. Try to use them to degrease really filthy caked on grime, well then you'll be here asking about cleaning the dishwasher.

Honestly, Busdaddy made a good point. Put the stuff in, hit the button and go do something else. I have a large soaking tank and parts washer, but only use it for really bad stuff because it's time scrubbing, and then I stink like solvent. The trash day dishwasher is mostly a hands off operation :wink:

Busdaddy for sure got a point. For me, cleaning is the boring part. So if I make the machine work well by just staring it, not just decent, it can save me a lot of cleaning and let me do whatever I prefer to do instead. Then come back to clean non-greasy parts and start to work with whatever I had in mind.

Sun Jan 27, 2019 12:23 am

Shameless plug.

This is the stuff for use in a jet washer.
also for dish washer use.. :)

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