Home built parts cleaner

[saabmosare]

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.

[Glenn]

I would guess that any harsh chemicals will degrade the seals and plastic parts over time.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
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[saabmosare]

[mark tucker]

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.

[rodeking]

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.

[Ebel]

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.

[saabmosare]

[jpaull]

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.

[busdaddy]

[jpaull]

[saabmosare]

[mark tucker]

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.... you couls alaso make a screen to catch some of the partickulate before the pump gets it.

[busdaddy]

[jeffrey8164]

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.
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Turning owners into mechanics since 1938.

“Let he that is without oil throw the first rod”
(Compression 8.7:1)

[Casting Timmy]

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.

[SBD]

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.
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"Just $99 down and $64 a month for 36 months buys you a brand new Volkswagen Beetle!"

[esde]

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
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modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that.

[wcfvw69]

Pppfff.. Go big or go home!

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

Repurposing used kitchen dishwashers? Rookies!


Now, I just need the "go fund me" to buy one of these babies!
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[saabmosare]

[fastone]

Shameless plug.

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

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2078013