Need advice about a parts washer

Lump · Jun 1, 2010

I've been buying lots of used tools lately, and I thought about cleaning the grease and crud off of some of them. For most of my life as a car hobbiest and home-project guy, I have relied on an old plastic bucket filled with kerosene to wash parts. But now I have been wondering about getting a parts washer with pump and proper chemical solution. I've always wanted one, like we used to have in the shop when I was turning wrenches for a living. Also, I have a couple of collector car projects which I need to get started on again soon, and it might be very convenient to have in that case.
This leaves me with several questions:

1) As a hobbiest, I know that any parts washer in my little garage will spend most of its time sitting there unused. So, can I get away with some cheapo imported unit? Will a used high-quality unit cost too much to buy for this application?
2) Where do you get the chemical...from the same seller? What if you buy a used high-quality unit, instead of a new one?
3) Is there any brand preference on the chemical?
4) How can you legally dispose of the used chemical? Is there ever any problem getting someone to accept it?
5) Under very-light usage, how long will the chemical last?
6) For an occasional user like me, with limited floor space...do you recommend having one of these units in my garage?
Thanks folks!! :beer:

ears · Jun 1, 2010

1. I dont know how long it would last. I have a generic Chinese at work, pump died on my boss, he got a good one for his shop and brought that one in. I have another at my mom's I bought for $10 no pump it had already died.

2. At work I use diesel, it cleans well but leaves a slightly oily residue, no flash rust. Otherwise I use low odor mineral spirits, cleans as well as anything I have ever used.

3. ^^^

4. I burn it in a waste oil heater. You could probably mix it with used oil when you take it in.

5 Mineral spirits last a very long time. Light usage, years. It will seperate out and clear up after sitting a while. A putty knife slow on the bottom will yank the worst of the crud out.

6. I would go nuts without one. One of my most used tools.

You can also make your own very simply. Any suitable container with a lid. I have used a truck toolbox and a small job box and cheap parts washers with dead pumps. A pipe ****** into a tee with a little stub out the bottom to a valve. The side of the tee gets plumbed to a magnetic drive pump, then back into the box. You can run a valve on the pump output to adjust the flow or just use smaller hose. With a valve you can adjust the flow strong enough so most of the fluid spatters all over your shop down to a little trickle. Scrape the crud down into the drain, crack the valve into a glass jar and set it aside. The next day you can slowly pour the good fluid off the top back into the parts washer.

Next project is going to be a sandblasting cabinet turned into a pressure washing cabinet. I have a pump that is just entirely too strong for a standard parts washer, and commercial units like this run thousands of dollars new.

Brandon_K · Jun 1, 2010

I made my own. I got a 16gallon drum from Pennzoil (free. They get ATF, gear lube, etc in them). Sawzall'ed the top off (wasn't a removeable type, welded with bungs only).

My ex-boss gave me a old fiberglass utility sink from when he redid the shop bathroom. It's heavy enough and slanted enough that it sits on said drum with no issues of falling off. I drilled a hole in the top-back of the drum and same wih the sink. I picked up a $15 submerisible pond pump and some hose. I use Kerosene for the solvent. It has a realitively high flash point and does well as a cleaner. #1 diesel is fine too and while I love the smell, I stop loving it when I still smell of it hours later. I don't have that issue with Kero.

Some tips if you make your own, fill the bottom of cleaner with a few gallons of water. As the water is heavier than the Kero, the Kero will stay on top, allowing the dirt and solids to settle on the bottom, keeping your solvent cleaner, longer. Install a bulk head and spigot to drain out the dirty water at the bottom if you'd like. I made a make shift filter for the pump by taking a (plastic) gallon paint jug (looks like a normal paint can, but it's plastic) and drilling a TON of large (3/4") holes in it. I then wrapped it with a single layer of shop towels and zip tied them on. The pump goes in the paint can. I notched the lid for the cord and the hose, then stick it half way down in the solvent. Seems to work really well. Also, as the "filter" get's dirty, it will start to pull more solvent out of the paint can than it can filter back in, which will start floating to the top. Put something heavy in the can with the pump. I had a bunch of chewed up spider and side gears (Dana 35 axle + 320ft lb + 33's = bad) that went in my can.

I have less than $20 into it and it works great. It's also nice because the sink is so deep you don't make a mess with solvent on everything, especially large parts. I can do an entire small engine block with no issue.

Lump · Jun 2, 2010

Brandon,
Wow, that sounds really slick. :bowdown:

You're a pretty clever guy. You too, Ears. But tell me, how long have you used that submersible pond pump? I have a few of those in my pond in back yard, and I was under the impression that they would not hold up pumping anything stronger than water. But apparently not, huh? Wow.

Lump · Jun 2, 2010

I just went to Harbor Freight to buy some Evaporust, and I looked at their new cheapo units. But they did not have the pumps or plumbing hooked up on their display units, so I could not try to examine quality. Man, I hope I can avoid buying one of those things. I think maybe I will just use a small plastic container for a while longer. The wrenches and sockets I plan to do on the short term are small items anyway.

I will experiment with mineral spirits and the old stand-by; kerosene, until I can decide which solvent I like best. In the meantime, I'll start watching flea markets and CL to see if I can find a Safety Kleen or other quality unit for a bargain. If no luck in a few weeks or months of searching, then I will attempt to make my own. Then I'll need to ask each of you for some further advice. For example, Brandon mentioned the makeshift filter (very clever!), but also mentioned a "few gallons" of water at the bottom. Yet I understand that the top of the pump/filter housing is kept a little above the surface...right? If so, then what does the pump filter/housing rest upon?

Thanks again, guys.

warmpancakes · Jun 2, 2010

I have one ill be selling soon Im in michigan its heated, filtered 100% plastic has a brush head on it and the tube Ill get some pics tonight if interested

Titus · Jun 2, 2010

I have a cheap PRC unit from Tractor Supply Co and have been using it with the washer fluid they sell for about 18 months now with no problems. I am glad I bought it.

My only recomendation would be to make a minor modification during the assembly... ignore the pre-drilled holes for the shelf and drill your own much lower. This will allow you to store your 5 gallon fluid drums on the shelf. While I have not had the need to drain it yet, life will be much easier with this mod now that I can simply place the empty drum right below the drain.

Lump · Jun 2, 2010

Sure, pancakes! Send some pix.

Lump · Jun 2, 2010

Titus, That makes perfect sense. Why didn't the factory think of that? Oh...never mind. :thumbup:

Titus · Jun 2, 2010

Lump said:
Titus, That makes perfect sense. Why didn't the factory think of that? Oh...never mind.

It really does seem to be a stupid design choice... I mean really... You buy the washer and 2 drums of fluid, assemble and fill it, and think "I should save these drums in case I need to drain it... the shelf would be perfect for that... Wait... WTF... it doesn't fit!"

warmpancakes · Jun 2, 2010

and heres some pics
the model is a kleen tec kt-4000

the bio safe is the solvent used in it before

Dimensions:
Tank Dimensions: 26"W x 36"L x 18"D
Overall Dimensions: 26W x 45"L x 37 1/2"H
Weight: 155 lbs
Features: Designed to Last!
Flexible Spigot
Designed to Accommodate Water-Based Degreaser Heated to 110 degrees
Comes complete with Mechanical Agitation and Pump Pre-Filter
? Corrosion resistant heavy-duty pump
? Heavy-duty roto-cast thermoplastic cleaning basin - large cleaning capacity
? Two removable stainless steel shelves
? Parts washer completely supported by heavy- duty stand
? Ground fault circult Interrupter for added shock resistant safety
? Filter system ? prolongs fluid life Filter cartridge P/N 7062
? Soaking capacity up to 30 gallons
? Spigot with fluid control valve
? Designed for non-flammable water-based cleaning solutions
? Heater thermostatically controlled-preset to 110 degrees
? Spring loaded stainless steel lid closure with ?tire link"
? Low level fluid sensor
? Mechanical agitation ?15 spray heads with fluid control valve
? Dual switches - heater and pump
? Flow-thru brush with adjustable fluid control
? CSA and NRTL/C approved

Manufacturer

Bull · Jun 2, 2010

Lump, if you have the budget for it, look into the ultrasonic cleaners. Solvent tanks are so...primitive.

mjozefow · Jun 2, 2010

Bull said:
Lump, if you have the budget for it, look into the ultrasonic cleaners. Solvent tanks are so...primitive.

I recall several weeks ago a certain person told you once you went ultrasonic, you would never go back. Who was that I wonder? :lol_hitti

Bull · Jun 2, 2010

Hmmm...I dunno, any hints? Was it a tall drink of water from IN, likes to clamp things? :lol_hitti

mjozefow said:
I recall several weeks ago a certain person told you once you went ultrasonic, you would never go back. Who was that I wonder?

Vinko · Jun 3, 2010

What about a diptank? With a screened basket or collander type thing? I have that as well as the parts washer, and find myself using the tank and a variety of brushes (soft, hard nylon, and brass and stainless).

evintho · Jun 3, 2010

Bought this 8 years ago and it's cleaned the crud off of 2 project cars and tons of other stuff! Sets in the corner of the garage and doesn't take up much space. Use the 20% off coupon and get it for like $70. The expensive part is the cleaner. A 5-gal drum of decent solvent is $60!
Harbor Freight 20 gal parts washer

You can see it here behind the drill press..................

fordor · Jun 3, 2010

Not to jump the thread, but what is everyone using for parts cleaner fluid besides kerosene, diesel fuel, or mineral spirits that works good, is biodegradable, and is available easily? Also where can you get mineral spirits in large quanities to fill a parts cleaner? I have a 20 gallon parts cleaner. In the past I have had to order cleaner from TIP Tools.

wineslob · Jun 3, 2010

fordor said:
Not to jump the thread, but what is everyone using for parts cleaner fluid besides kerosene, diesel fuel, or mineral spirits that works good, is biodegradable, and is available easily? Also where can you get mineral spirits in large quanities to fill a parts cleaner? I have a 20 gallon parts cleaner. In the past I have had to order cleaner from TIP Tools.

There are D-Limonene solvents out there, but DAMN expensive. One thing with D-Limonene, it lasts a very, very long time.

What I use: http://www.certifiedlabs.com/certif...duct_cat_desc=Products+By+Name&pName=TEKUSOLV

Titus · Jun 3, 2010

fordor said:
Not to jump the thread, but what is everyone using for parts cleaner fluid besides kerosene, diesel fuel, or mineral spirits that works good, is biodegradable, and is available easily? Also where can you get mineral spirits in large quanities to fill a parts cleaner? I have a 20 gallon parts cleaner. In the past I have had to order cleaner from TIP Tools.

It is not cheap, but Tractor Supply stocks a good cleaner in 5 gallon drums.

nutjob · Jun 3, 2010

Titus said:
It is not cheap, but Tractor Supply stocks a good cleaner in 5 gallon drums.

Looks like its $40 for the 5 gallons. I think thats real cheap compared to what Safty Kleen wants to charge. I have the bench top model that has the plastic tank below the washer. They say I cannot bring the old fluid to them to swap out because it is considered haz waste so I have to pay for a service call/trip charge. About $140 all together!

I am also looking for washer fluid and will check out the Crown PSC 1000 cleaner from Tractor Supply.

The MSDS states:
SECTION 2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

CONTAINS:
95-100% MEDIUM ALIPHATIC SOLVENT NAPHTHA

Kevin

Boost Creep · Jun 4, 2010

the hf part washers are starting to have coupons coming out to get em for $65. i think its worth a shot for that price

Lump · Jul 15, 2010

Okay, after considering all my options, and recognizing that I have no spare time to build my own tank these days, I decided to reconsider and look at that PRC unit the next time I was in the town with the nearest HF store. Then, out of the blue yesterday, my wife suddenly asked if I would take her to the mall near there for some shopping. "Why, sure, sweetheart! Let's go!!" :thumbup:

I got there and found the $129 Parts Washer on sale for $89. I asked some questions about it with a sales clerk. Hmmm...maybe this would be a good solution until I can find a good used commercial/industrial unit?

Then I remembered the Garage Journal tip I have occasionally seen from members here, stating that I could probably get a 20% coupon if I asked for it. So I did...and I was very curious to see what the clerk would do. She was gone about 5-10 minutes, and came back with a coupon! :beer:

So now it was $71. I just decided to go for it, for now.

Now I must decide what solvent to use. Mineral spirits were my first choice, but the instructions with this tank specifically say not to use solvent-based cleaners. I'm afraid that mineral spirits might damage the seals inside the pump. Has anyone tried mineral spirits in one of these cheapo HF solvent tanks? :headscrat

Need advice about a parts washer

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