Parts washers

[JC220]

Hi all, I just treated myself to a professional 20 gallon SIP parts washer



Curious now about what detergent to use in it? Has anyone got a parts washer?

I think solvents are not supposed to be used in this one. A local auto store has 25L of Comma Hyperclean which might be enough to get it started. Albeit the cleaning fluid itself costs half as much as the machine! I wont do much with it either - occasional use. Need it for a m119 sump pans and gearbox pan this weekend

 

[nocfn]

Simple green for aviation mixes with water and is an awesome degreaser/cleaner. It is not the same for regular Simple Green. Others may have support for that product or additional ones.

 

[gsxr]

I found the cleaning solutions generally cost MORE than the machine. Most water-based solvents don't have a great reputation but there might be some out there that work ok. Mineral spirits is one low-cost option.

I picked up a couple of 5-gallon buckets of this stuff, but haven't tried it yet...

PARTS WASHER SOLVENT - B'laster Products

B’laster Parts Washer Solvent has been developed to outperform the usual mineral spirit based solvents most often found in re-circulating parts washers. It safely and quickly removes oil, grease and grime from metals, most plastics and painted surfaces. It leaves no residue making it perfect for...

blastercorp.com

 

[JC220]

I found the cleaning solutions generally cost MORE than the machine. Most water-based solvents don't have a great reputation but there might be some out there that work ok. Mineral spirits is one low-cost option.

I picked up a couple of 5-gallon buckets of this stuff, but haven't tried it yet...

PARTS WASHER SOLVENT - B'laster Products

B’laster Parts Washer Solvent has been developed to outperform the usual mineral spirit based solvents most often found in re-circulating parts washers. It safely and quickly removes oil, grease and grime from metals, most plastics and painted surfaces. It leaves no residue making it perfect for...

blastercorp.com

Yes I didn't really fully understand that when I bought it! I went into a tool shop locally and to my surprise they had this one on the shelf and offered a good price so I took it there and then. They had no solvent so after the fact I found out the 5 gallon drums are £65ish. (It holds 20 gallon max)

I may just try 25L and see if that is enough to run the machine to start with. I like the idea of water based cleaners but fear they may not be strong enough to take on greasy diffs and the like

 

[JC220]

Really I will only be using this occasionally. So the cleaner should last a long time with light use and not stink out the whole garage.

In a couple years I hope to build my own (private) shop for my own cars so I am slowly buying all the equipment in order to get off to a running start.

 

[gsxr]

Yep, lowest price I could find for 5-gallon drums was typically in the $75 USD range each, for solvents (not water-based degreasers). Some are even more expensive.

When I got the parts washer years ago I wanted something inexpensive that I could get locally, and ended up with mineral spirits from Home Depot or Lowes. This worked ok, not great, and it evaporates over time. I'm overdue to drain & replace it.

Note that although the total capacity of the washer is 20 gallons, you only want to fill it about halfway, or less. 7-10 gallons should be plenty. 25 liters should be enough to get you started.

 

[JC220]

I have ordered a concentrate water based degreaser in a 25l drum. It is diluted 20:1 or stronger if needed. It also gets very good reviews online (besides people using it too strong and damaging pumps!)

At £25 this makes much more sense. And shouldn't stink out my garage either I hope.

Concentrate Engine Degreaser / Parts Washer Fluid - (1x25 Litres) | eBay

Size: 1x25 Litres. Super Concentrate. Ideal for use in a part washer, pressure washer or manual use with a brush & bucket. CAUTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT ON ALUMINIUM. IF USED PROPERLY, IT WILL REMOVE THE WHITE CORROSION THAT CAN TAINT AN ALUMINIUM SURFACE.

rover.ebay.com

 

[nocfn]

once again the Simple Green for aviation will not harm aluminum cast parts

 

[JC220]

once again the Simple Green for aviation will not harm aluminum cast parts

Thanks! There is only one UK supplier and they sell it in 1 litre bottles only. Do you know how much you can dilute it with water and still be effective?

I will try it too next after this first 25l batch

 

[RicardoD]

I use this stuff which might be same as aviation. Available at Home Depot and also safe for aluminum.

 

[alabbasi]

I use gasoline but only when i'm smoking a cigar because it helps hide the smell of the fumes

 

[JC220]

I use gasoline but only when i'm smoking a cigar because it helps hide the smell of the fumes

Great idea! I might use nitro though as a cleaner fluid and use my diesel space heater aimed at the washer to push the fumes out through the door

 

[JC220]

Does anyone use Oil Eater? It is a USA degreaser available on Amazon etc. A local supply place here sells in it gallons

 

[TerryA]

I have never had a parts washer. I have always used paint thinner/mineral spirits in a coffee can and a stiff bristle brush. On occasion I have brushed cleaned first and then used a small sand blaster w/ mineral spirits instead of sand to rinse off the loosened grime. Kinda messy (probably not considered environmentally friendly) but it worked for me for years.

Mineral spirits is a pretty decent cleaner and doesn’t harm paint or wiring or rubber.

Albeit mineral spirits used to cost about $1.50 gal. Now it around $5.00 gal at Home Depot.

Just my $0.02

 

[JC220]

I have never had a parts washer. I have always used paint thinner/mineral spirits in a coffee can and a stiff bristle brush. On occasion I have brushed cleaned first and then used a small sand blaster w/ mineral spirits instead of sand to rinse off the loosened grime. Kinda messy (probably not considered environmentally friendly) but it worked for me for years.

Mineral spirits is a pretty decent cleaner and doesn’t harm paint or wiring or rubber.

Albeit mineral spirits used to cost about $1.50 gal. Now it around $5.00 gal at Home Depot.

Just my $0.02

Thanks Terry - this reminds me I really must get modifying my cheap bench top sand blast cabinet to get it working properly. I need it soon for brake calipers and the m119 exhaust manifolds if they fit inside the damn thing. Like all of the imported cabinets it has lighting problems and poor grit pickup design so need to experiment with it to get it working better as it's almost un-useable as is

 

[JC220]

I have ordered a concentrate water based degreaser in a 25l drum. It is diluted 20:1 or stronger if needed. It also gets very good reviews online (besides people using it too strong and damaging pumps!)

At £25 this makes much more sense. And shouldn't stink out my garage either I hope.

Concentrate Engine Degreaser / Parts Washer Fluid - (1x25 Litres) | eBay

Size: 1x25 Litres. Super Concentrate. Ideal for use in a part washer, pressure washer or manual use with a brush & bucket. CAUTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT ON ALUMINIUM. IF USED PROPERLY, IT WILL REMOVE THE WHITE CORROSION THAT CAN TAINT AN ALUMINIUM SURFACE.

rover.ebay.com

I did use this cleaner and it is very good. Nice smell off it too! Using about a 1:5 ratio at the moment.

The parts washer is great. I have had a surprising amount of use out of it lately. Today I was cleaning V12 cam covers in it. Lots of different size and texture scrubbing brushes are essential too