Spray wash cabinet

[1190R]

I have a conventional solvent-based parts washer and it works fine but I have the opportunity to purchase a commercial spray wash cabinet
I'd like a little feedback from those who have used them in terms of convenience, ease or use, reliability, etc in order to determine whether or not to go down that route

 

[1190R]

Like this

 

[FredWanaker]

I've used them when younger. They work really well with the right cleaners although you'll have some leakage to deal with regardless, because when you are done washing you also have to hose the parts down to get the cleaner off it, and then compressed air to dry things quickly to prevent flash rust. That said, if you live in some states the environmental laws on that run off are so severe that you'll be filling out forms all day long, and be getting visits from inspectors who keep telling you how to live your life. Lord help you when it is time to get rid of the old solution if you are in one of those states so best check state laws first and the cost to change the solution when that time comes. It is the hauling away that is outrageous in some states because it can only go to certain hazardous waste sites by licensed haulers. To give you an example, I live in CA. Everyone I know who had a washer like that pretty much had to get rid of it to stay in business. I went to get rid of some old pressure treated wood and found out that only licensed haulers can get rid of it. The cost was like putting a child thru college. Fortunately someone nearby needed it to build a fence so it was legally repurposed.

 

[1190R]

I've used them when younger. They work really well with the right cleaners although you'll have some leakage to deal with regardless, because when you are done washing you also have to hose the parts down to get the cleaner off it, and then compressed air to dry things quickly to prevent flash rust. That said, if you live in some states the environmental laws on that run off are so severe that you'll be filling out forms all day long, and be getting visits from inspectors who keep telling you how to live your life.

Thanks Fred. That's the kind of info I'm looking for

 

[PoorUB]

I've used them when younger. They work really well with the right cleaners although you'll have some leakage to deal with regardless, because when you are done washing you also have to hose the parts down to get the cleaner off it, and then compressed air to dry things quickly to prevent flash rust. That said, if you live in some states the environmental laws on that run off are so severe that you'll be filling out forms all day long, and be getting visits from inspectors who keep telling you how to live your life. Lord help you when it is time to get rid of the old solution if you are in one of those states so best check state laws first and the cost to change the solution when that time comes. It is the hauling away that is outrageous in some states because it can only go to certain hazardous waste sites by licensed haulers. To give you an example, I live in CA. Everyone I know who had a washer like that pretty much had to get rid of it to stay in business. I went to get rid of some old pressure treated wood and found out that only licensed haulers can get rid of it. The cost was like putting a child thru college. Fortunately someone nearby needed it to build a fence so it was legally repurposed.

Are you thinking about the old caustic soak tanks?

The OP is asking about a upright machine that is sort of like a industrial dish washer. There is a pump that forces water through spray nozzles and there is a platform that you set the engine block on that spins slowly.

 

[1190R]

Are you thinking about the old caustic soak tanks?

The OP is asking about a upright machine that is sort of like a industrial dish washer. There is a pump that forces water through spray nozzles and there is a platform that you set the engine block on that spins slowly.

Yup. That's what I'm talking about. I was wondering what Fred was referring to when he mentioned environmental laws. As far as I can tell, the spray washer just uses water and detergent

 

[PoorUB]

Yup. That's what I'm talking about. I was wondering what Fred was referring to when he mentioned environmental laws. As far as I can tell, the spray washer just uses water and detergent

As far as I know the newer "dish washer" cleaning machines are fine to use. I wouldn't be surprised if California has restrictions on chemicals you can use, but everyone went to these because the caustic tanks were a problem.

Edit, would to wouldn't

 

[FredWanaker]

The machine in the photo is what I was discussing. It uses a highly caustic solution that is added to water that sits in it. Once in a while it has to be drained, all the grease and dirt taken away and new solution put in. The water is super heated and sprayed over and over while the block or heads turn. Small parts go in a basket. Then when the block is done you lift it out with a cherry picker, hose the caustic solution off it and dry it with compressed air. The runoff goes wherever it drains to. Some states have a problem with that run off, as well as the oils and grease that are contained in the caustic solution. I don't know of any that "drain" into the sewer system but if they did that might be an issue too with the local sanitation board. I know of one shop here, even as long ago as 25 years who had to remove that style machine. The issue is not the machine, it is the solutions used to clean. Even dishwasher products have been changed the last 10 years. I used to wash aluminum parts in my old one using Cascade for years and they came out nice and shiny. Bead, wash to get any residual beads out, and assemble. The new Cascade turns aluminum black. I talked with a friend who is a chemist, he said that is a result of new EPA laws changing the chemistry in cleaners like Cascade for dishes. The older cleaners used chemicals that are banned now. Same in the parts washing industry. Try to find MEK or even Denatured Alcohol in many places now. If it were me, I'd check with some local suppliers of chemicals for that unit to see what is available legally before buying it. Even checking with a local NAPA store might yield some answers, I don't know. What I have found here in California is different than many other places but the favorite game is they ban items from landfills. Then there is no place to get rid of it. And when they inspect they want to see records how you disposed of things. If they don't like it they issue a couple hundred thousand dollar fine, which helps the agency finance nailing the next guy.

 

[472scout]

You don't have to use caustic solution there are lots of options available.

 

[FredWanaker]

This is what would be typically used in a washer like that. I have no idea whether where it can be used or what are the requirements to contain any that spills. All I know is that out here lots of places are gone in part because the rules and laws around this stuff are overwhelming, and failure to comply can be financially and legally devastating. Governments today can over-reach in ways that were not imaginable 6 years ago. That said, my suggestion is that he check local laws and codes first before investing in it. The washers work quite well to clean mechanical parts of oil, grease, dirt, even some paints.

40 LB Alkaline Blend Spray Wash Cabinet Detergent (Engine and Transmission Case Cleaner)

Parts Washing, Spray Wash Cabinets made in the USA by Adventure Manufacturing

www.adventureinmetals.com

 

[twhowar]

I use Cascade dish washer detergent in mine. Have to experiment with the amount for your washer. I have an Axe brand washer.

This is what would be typically used in a washer like that. I have no idea whether where it can be used or what are the requirements to contain any that spills. All I know is that out here lots of places are gone in part because the rules and laws around this stuff are overwhelming, and failure to comply can be financially and legally devastating. Governments today can over-reach in ways that were not imaginable 6 years ago. That said, my suggestion is that he check local laws and codes first before investing in it. The washers work quite well to clean mechanical parts of oil, grease, dirt, even some paints.

40 LB Alkaline Blend Spray Wash Cabinet Detergent (Engine and Transmission Case Cleaner)

Parts Washing, Spray Wash Cabinets made in the USA by Adventure Manufacturing

www.adventureinmetals.com

 

[BillK]

Yup. That's what I'm talking about. I was wondering what Fred was referring to when he mentioned environmental laws. As far as I can tell, the spray washer just uses water and detergent

But the second that soap and water mix gets one ounce of oil and grease in it then it becomes hazardous waste. I just paid Safety Kleen $650 to pump mine out. Mine holds about 90 gallons. The "soap" I use in mine is not real strong because I do a ton of aluminum cylinder heads and the stronger soap will ruin them. The heat and pressure do most of the work. Mine has a 10 hp pump motor and the solution is heated to about 170 degrees. It is probably the biggest energy user in my shop.

Other than that it works great. Every machine shop I know of has one as do all transmission shops for cleaning transmission cases.

 

[mikegt4]

Don't forget to check the power requirements for the machine, it may need commercial size electric.

 

[Doug]

I had one of these years ago as a demo. The machine did an incredible job for me but it gave off an unbearable amount of heat as well as making the dial on the electric meter go around really fast. I didn't buy it.

 

[bigdav160]

I have two at work. You can't pump foam so they use a non sudsing (sp?) detergent.

The disposal mode boils off all the water leaving a sludge at the bottom that you scrape out and put with your waste oil.
Nothing to dump down the drain.

 

[1190R]

I have two at work. You can't pump foam so they use a non sudsing (sp?) detergent.

The disposal mode boils off all the water leaving a sludge at the bottom that you scrape out and put with your waste oil.
Nothing to dump down the drain.

Makes sense bigdav. Which detergent do you use?

 

[472scout]

Call some manufacturers or Grainger and they'll tell you what environmentally friendly solutions are available. I would buy one in a heartbeat if you have the space and the right deal came along.

 

[oldmachinenut]

We replaced a old spray wash cabinet in my transmission shop at the college. I chose an
A-Tech brand unit that had an optional “tramp oil skimmer”, a motorized disc half submerged in the tank that slowly spins. There are two scrapers that scrape the oil that the disc picked up from the solution in the tank. The oil drained into a container under the scrapers then was disposed of in the waste oil.

 

[BillK]

environmentally friendly solutions

Guys keep throwing this term out but in reality as soon as you clean a dirty oily greasy part or a flywheel with clutch dust on it etc etc etc, the environmentally friendly part doesn't matter. At that point it becomes hazardous waste as far as disposal goes.

You can boil off the dirty water and put the sludge in with your waste oil but I bet if the waste oil company found out they would have a fit. Or start charging you double.

I have been using the Interchem 1195 for years. Does great for my applications.

Rebuilding Supplies | Interchem | United States

Interchem offers specialty products for engine rebuilders, machinists, and racing machine shops. We offer cleaning additives for spray cabinets and dip tanks as well as lubricants for honing and grinding. Our grinding coolants and rust preventatives are used internationally.

www.interchem.biz

 

[tncatadjuster]

Is vapor honing a viable alternative to this type of machine, is the cabinet more automated than doing it by hand?
I saw this and was impressed with results.

 

[BillK]

Is vapor honing a viable alternative to this type of machine

The thing with "vapor" honing is that is still uses glass beads which are terrible to completely remove from aluminum cylinder heads. Might as well keep glass beading them. It might be ok for suspension parts and other things where having the abrasives doesnt matter.

I have never understood how they came up with the term "vapor blasting" There really is no "vapor" involved in the true definition of the word. What they are doing is simply wet blasting which has been around for years for cleaning concrete etc. They are just doing it in a cabinet.

 

[Duster346]

I have one, and it's the 2nd that I've purchased. Had a Ranger/bend pak at my old auto repair shop. It worked fine but sold it. Bought a snap-on for my transmission shop. I forget who makes it for snap-on. I am not a production transmission shop, but I build 30-40 specialty transmissions per year, and there is no way I could do without it. I use the powered soap.

I first scrape all of the loose dirt off the cases, wash case and extension housing for 30-60mins. Blow dry with air, inspect case and extension housing, glass bead blast inside and out, blow out media, chase all threads, blow out again, solvent the case and extension housing to get all of the glass media out, blow dry again, inspect and then start assembling.

So, if you are a production engine or transmission shop, I'd say go for it.

 

[472scout]

Guys keep throwing this term out but in reality as soon as you clean a dirty oily greasy part or a flywheel with clutch dust on it etc etc etc, the environmentally friendly part doesn't matter. At that point it becomes hazardous waste as far as disposal goes.

You can boil off the dirty water and put the sludge in with your waste oil but I bet if the waste oil company found out they would have a fit. Or start charging you double.

I have been using the Interchem 1195 for years. Does great for my applications.

Rebuilding Supplies | Interchem | United States

Interchem offers specialty products for engine rebuilders, machinists, and racing machine shops. We offer cleaning additives for spray cabinets and dip tanks as well as lubricants for honing and grinding. Our grinding coolants and rust preventatives are used internationally.

www.interchem.biz

The point of environmentally-friendly solutions isn't so that you can just dump it anywhere but to avoid some of the heavy EPA oversight. Which is why most shops have gone to them. Obviously the waste has to be disposed of legally regardless if you're cleaning by hand or with automated machinery.