Ultrasonic cleaner experience

[RicardoD]

I just added a new tool to the garage. An ultrasonic cleaner. I kept getting rave reviews from friends about it being one of their most valuable tools in their garage after purchase. So I picked up a the cheapest 30 liter model I could on eBay (~ $230). And so far I am very impressed.

I am using Extreme Simple Green Aircraft and Precision parts cleaner (safe for aluminum!) diluted to 1 part simple green to 3 parts water. I filled the ultrasonic cleaner with water. Then I put my parts in zip lock bags with the Extreme Simple Green solution and it is working great. The model I bought has a heater and a timer. 10 minutes is sufficient to clean the parts I tested out so far.

Intake manifold bits from my Porsche and getting hose clamps to the next level of clean. I bought some Yellow Chromate from Caswell to re-dip the zinc-chromate parts after I clean then as some of the yellow chromate get removed. I need to get some glass large mouth bottles as easier to handle than zip lock bags.






BEFORE after brushing in my regular tub parts washer


AFTER ultrasonic cleaning - re-lubricate clamps after cleaning

 

[alabbasi]

I bought a huge one like that about 5 years ago. It was from China and shipped directly from China through Ali express. It was big enough to take an intake manifold from my 928 but after about 40 minutes, it blew a fuse. I replaced the fuse and it tripped the breaker and took out my Harmon Kardon receiver. I'd like to fix it some day.

 

[darek_u]

Ricardo I have identical parts cleaner. I've been using it for couple of years now with no problem. As a cleaning solution I use IPA (99,8% alcohol), it is basically safe for everything including electrical motors and electronics. Just smells bad, I use the respirator mask, same I use for spray painting.
Tell me please what is the advantage of putting parts in bags and then in washer?

 

[RicardoD]

parts in bags just let me keep the water in my tank clean and to try different fluids for cleaning in the bag. Glass jars will work too.

 

[gsxr]

Ricardo, can you post a link to the $230 unit you purchased? I really need one of these!

That is pure genius to fill with water, and put the parts in bags. Never would have thought of doing that. It also allows you to use less solvent.

 

[RicardoD]

Dave,

Looks like price went up to $247 in the last few days. My Porsche buddy got it for $180! There is a Best Offer option. I would try and reach out to seller and you would like to purchase same as your friend last week for $231 and then make the offer.

Just search 30L Ultrasonic Cleaner and multiple listing will come up. I think it is all the same seller. Mine came out of warehouse in Los Angelos.

 

[RicardoD]

I bought a huge one like that about 5 years ago. It was from China and shipped directly from China through Ali express. It was big enough to take an intake manifold from my 928 but after about 40 minutes, it blew a fuse. I replaced the fuse and it tripped the breaker and took out my Harmon Kardon receiver. I'd like to fix it some day.

That would be awesome to have one that size but no space in the garage. I poured in 5 gallons of water into this 30 liter table top unit. It should cover most of the bits I want to clean and for the big stuff will have to go elsewhere.

 

[AMG5PT4]

ricardo, please post pre and post yellow chromate plating process. This is of interest to me in my current restoration project. How durable do you find this plating?

Al

 

[gsxr]

parts in bags just let me keep the water in my tank clean and to try different fluids for cleaning in the bag. Glass jars will work too.

Dumb question... could you also use plastic containers, like Tupperware or similar, instead of plastic bags?

 

[RicardoD]

one YouTube video said glass was better as it didn’t attenuate the high frequency waves as much as plastic container would

 

[nocfn]

Did Hendrix have this title topic in mind asking, “... are you experienced”