Home Made Parts Cleaner

[MJM]

Ok, How about ideas and pics for a Parts Cleaner !!

Come everyone, lets see what you got !!

 

[Ric in Richmond]

Past: When I was young and poorer I used a turkey pan. I still use it occasionally...but never for turkey.

Present: Now it is the medium sized HF tank and some Kerosene Gunk mixture.

Future: I want a stainless steel three bowl sink with a really dirty bowl for scraping and degrunging, a kinda dirty tank for cleaning superficially clean stuff and a drip dry tank as well as pumps and a holding tank with an oil based cleaner over a water trap in the bottom of a plastic drum.

Guy can dream right?

 

[henrysgarage]

I put a SS kitchen sink in my workbench and a steel drum under the drain. I put a pump in the drum and ran a copper tubing out the lid and through one of the sink tap holes.

 

[Dickey]

Ages ago, I used a galvanized tub from the hardware store and just filled it with some kerosene. When I was done, I filtered it and used it for starting fires in the fireplace. Never did more than a gallon or two. These days I have an actual 20gallon parts washer but I still use kerosene and now I filter it to be added to the waste motor oil that my Blazer and generator use for fuel.

 

[PCO6]

I built this one in the mid 70's and have been using it ever since. I had 1/8" steel plate cut to size then I mig welded it together. I use varsol pumped from a 5 gal. pail. For filtering out the grit I simply put about 3" of water in the pail. The water being heavier than the varsol sits at the bottom. The varsol sits on top of the water and is pumped out via a submersible pump. Grit being heavier than the varsol and water falls to the bottom of the pail - it works great.

The key feature to me is that the floor of the basin is at my regular bench height. This is a "back saver" compared to a lot of the parts cleaners on the market.

 

[Fleetwood]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=739597&highlight=parts+washer

Not mine just one i have run across over on pirate check it out the thread is acouple pages long.

 

[luvmyhondas]

in for ideas. everything I keep dreaming up is way too complicated and out of budget.

i need Ronco to make one.. .set it and forget it.

Thought about using a steel drum with some sort of aerator and/or pumps to agitate the solution. But then you get into filtration and all other sorts of issues. I'm trying to K.I.S.S.

 

[PCO6]

in for ideas. everything I keep dreaming up is way too complicated and out of budget.

i need Ronco to make one.. .set it and forget it.

Thought about using a steel drum with some sort of aerator and/or pumps to agitate the solution. But then you get into filtration and all other sorts of issues. I'm trying to K.I.S.S.

Here's a simple one I built that uses air. I usually set it at about 90 to 110 lbs. and work on something else for an hour or so.

 

[Mmfh]

I'm curious about this one, it looks a lot like a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers because of the pressure force flavor and heat into what ever you are cooking.

I wonder if this works in a similar way, forces the cleaner into all the little crevices and holes of whatever your cleaning? Cleans faster?

What kind of stuff are you cleaning, what chemicals are you using?

Mm

 

[lilredex]

This is my usual "go to" parts cleaner. It comes with a plastic cover and if you let it sit, the good stuff can be poured off and re-used. Generally Varsol is used, but for really tough stuff, I move outside and use gasoline (just be very careful).

I also have a commercially made bench top version, with the circulating pump and "powered" brush, but have never used it. Guess between the one pictured and a HP washer, they get most jobs done.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[Jagmandave]

I bought the inexpensive Harbor Freight version years ago, when I got it home the box had an extra pump and an extra set of legs in it!

I set it up and used the water based solvet they recommended, and after a while it took all the paint off the inside of the bowl. BTW, this type did not have a tank or barrel of solvent under it, you just filled the tub and left it in there, and the pump ciculated it thru the hose to rinse what you were cleaning. This was not a good design to me, so I went and bought a 30 gal can of stoddard solvent from my Safety Clean dealer, set the tank on the can with the drain hole over it, hung the pump down in the solvent, hooked up a hose and Viola! she works a treat!

I also added a light under the lid so I could see what I was doing and I've had it now for over 30 years.......still going great!

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[PCO6]

I'm curious about this one, it looks a lot like a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers because of the pressure force flavor and heat into what ever you are cooking.

I wonder if this works in a similar way, forces the cleaner into all the little crevices and holes of whatever your cleaning? Cleans faster?

What kind of stuff are you cleaning, what chemicals are you using?

Mm

It doesn't operate under pressure. The top fits loosely however there is no danger that it will fly off - note the 3 thumb screws. The air hose causes the fluid to "swirl" and it moves pretty fast. If the barrel is half full the fluid would swirl to the top if I really cranked up the air. It works well but if it "agitated" back and forth it would probably work even better.

You could use a lot of different cleaning agents. I use varsol for small automotive parts, hardware, bearings, etc. but I have used carb cleaner as well. It still requires that you brush clean most items after shutting off the air but it sure cuts down on the hand work.

I have also used soap and hot water for washing shop rags and it works well. I have a propane / pot cooker (for boiling corn for example). I just put the barrel on top of the propane stand, heat up the water and turn on the air. It keeps my wife happy.

 

[Garage5.9]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101080&showall=1

Not mine but something i plan on copying

 

[lilredex]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101080&showall=1

Not mine but something i plan on copying

/QUOTE]

I understand that if you keep a few inches of water in the barrel, that the whole system becomes self filtering. The junk drops out into the water and the solvent above remains clean. Anyone have experience with that idea?

 

[93sr20det]

Redneck style:

 

[Garage5.9]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101080&showall=1

Not mine but something i plan on copying

/QUOTE]

I understand that if you keep a few inches of water in the barrel, that the whole system becomes self filtering. The junk drops out into the water and the solvent above remains clean. Anyone have experience with that idea?

Never experience it first hand but it does make sense and have heard several people on here mention it

 

[PCO6]

Originally Posted by lilredex

I understand that if you keep a few inches of water in the barrel, that the whole system becomes self filtering. The junk drops out into the water and the solvent above remains clean. Anyone have experience with that idea?

It definately works if you use varsol. I'm not sure about other cleaning agents. I have used this method since the 70's and it works great. I gave a brief explanation of it above in post #5 above. The grit is the heaviest thing in the tank so it drops through the varsol and the water to the bottom of the tank. When I clean out the tank there is usually about an inch of crud sitting at the bottom of it.

 

[luvmyhondas]

Ok, now you've got me internetin' again. it has led me to the search for parts necessary to build my own ultrasonic parts washer. So far, it looks like I'll need:

Ultrasonic transducer(s)-
http://www.ecrater.com/p/2073673/55...er-for-cleaner-ultrasound?keywords=ultrasonic transducer

An amplifier or driver of some sort that can provide the necessary wattage and frequency (+25Khz, and 40Khz+ seems to be the norm) at the as yet undetermined total impedence.

A stainless tank of the desired size- Craigslist here I come!

Heater element that can sustain 170-180*- shouldn't be too hard. maybe a small hot water heater or something?

signal generator that can ACCURATELY produce sine waveforms at the desired frequency.-I'm sure I can find some off brand audio amplifier that for some reason was not limited to 20Khz frequency response.

Then it's just a matter of wiring it up, mounting the transducers, filling with solution, and throw in some dirty parts.

For anyone else interested here's the stuff I've found so far on the subject:

http://deiwhy.blogspot.com/2008/12/diy-ultrasonic-cleaner.html

http://speedtalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=23898 <---there's several other good links on this page too.

 

[930dreamer]

Someone posted a cleaner they picked up, it ended up being an ultrasonic unit that needed some repair. Not sure what the final outcome was?

 

[lilredex]

Originally Posted by lilredex
It definately works if you use varsol. I'm not sure about other cleaning agents. I have used this method since the 70's and it works great. I gave a brief explanation of it above in post #5 above. The grit is the heaviest thing in the tank so it drops through the varsol and the water to the bottom of the tank. When I clean out the tank there is usually about an inch of crud sitting at the bottom of it.

Right you are...........somehow missed it. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[PCO6]

Right you are...........somehow missed it. Thanks for pointing that out.

Here's a "heavier than water" trick you might like. I keep a few paint brushes in a small metal can in my parts washer. The can has clean engine oil in it - enough to cover the bristles of the brushes. When I paint something with enamel I wash a brush using the parts washer. When I'm finished painting I rinse out the brush using the parts washer and then put it back into the metal can. The paint that I rinse off is heavier than the water and falls to the bottom of the parts washer reservoir just like grit from parts that I wash.

I have some paint brushes that are at least 15 years old and are as good as new. They are also ready to go in less than 30 seconds ... or as long as it takes to rinse the oil off them.

 

[41ratrod]

Has anyone tried a used dishwasher using a different pump ,setting it
on a stand with a tank under it.
just a thought

 

[sscustom]

I love the the parts cleaner made from a sink it looks so simple and functional

 

[Mr.N]

Here's a simple one I built that uses air. I usually set it at about 90 to 110 lbs. and work on something else for an hour or so.

Thanks for posting, I like this simple DIY idea

 

[BWS]

PCO6,thanks.....right dang interesting.

Bought one of those small units on sale years ago......didn't know how useful they were.Just plain wore the little POS out.Instead of buying another "storebought" unit,am going to just make one.Thanks to all the good posts above.BW

 

[PCO6]

Thanks for posting, I like this simple DIY idea

Thanks. And it was inexpensive too!

 

[MJM]

Some really cool and easy ideas !!
I really like the one with the kitchen sink and the drum undernieth it.

Thanks Guys.

Keep them coming !!

 

[henrysgarage]

That is what I did only built into the workbench. It is not used as the water-soluble liquid ate through the tin and leaked onto the floor.

 

[J Persons]

Anyone found a pump that can be used with petroleum based solvents? All the ones I've seen say to use water based solvents, The petroleum solvents work much quicker and you don't have to worry about your parts rusting.
I have a HF tank and it's gone through two of the plastic pumps using petroleum solvent.

 

[JasonTX]

Right now I am without a parts washer, but needing to clean brushes after painting polyurethane, so I am using a new, clean blitz oil drain pan as a sink. Pour an inch of paint thinner in, clean brush. When done, pull the plug, the used thinner goes in and can be poured into a container for disposal later.

 

[Golfer]

Anyone found a pump that can be used with petroleum based solvents? All the ones I've seen say to use water based solvents, The petroleum solvents work much quicker and you don't have to worry about your parts rusting.
I have a HF tank and it's gone through two of the plastic pumps using petroleum solvent.

This is what I bought as a factory replacement for my ZEP Dynaclean parts washer. States its made for solvents.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NKC6JK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[luvmyhondas]

not home made but I thought it might inspire others. I picked up this pneumatic washer at my local TSC on clearance. there's a valve between the basin and the tank. Depending on which way it's turned determines whether the fluid is pushed through the brush or up into the basin for soaking. The tank holds 15 gallons and I don't see any reason why you couldn't use petrol solvents as there are no pumps to deteriorate. It's pretty easy on the air usage too. It's operation would be pretty easy to duplicate (in some fashion) with parts scavenged.

Oh, and there's an air gun that hangs on the side for blowing out the cracks and crevices.

 

[Garage5.9]

not home made but I thought it might inspire others. I picked up this pneumatic washer at my local TSC on clearance. there's a valve between the basin and the tank. Depending on which way it's turned determines whether the fluid is pushed through the brush or up into the basin for soaking. The tank holds 15 gallons and I don't see any reason why you couldn't use petrol solvents as there are no pumps to deteriorate. It's pretty easy on the air usage too. It's operation would be pretty easy to duplicate (in some fashion) with parts scavenged.

Oh, and there's an air gun that hangs on the side for blowing out the cracks and crevices.

This is nice but the only thing i dont like is the pressurized solvents

 

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

For those of you with home-built units, using water for the filtering medium, how do you clean it out? Is there a dump valve at the bottom? How do you remove the sludge?

Also, how do you dispose of used cleaner fluid? I don't have a burner system so can it be recycled or ??? In the past I've used gasoline in a Folgers can and when done I would just leave the container in the sun for a few days to let it evaporate out. The **** at the bottom would go in the garbage...sometimes along with the can

How do the pump systems work? Anyone have a diagram? Placement of pump, I figure, would be important?

 

[PCO6]

Toby- I don't have a decent picture of the "tank" in mine (post #5 above) but it's basically a 5 gallon plastic pail with with a lid. There is about 3" of water and 10" of varsol that sits on top of the water. A submersible pump is fastened to the lid and it sits in the varsol.

It doesn't matter which liquid you put in first or if you want to top either up later. The water being heavier always goes to the bottom. The "sludge" being the heaviest always accumulates on the bottom of the pail. The varsol is always clean as it comes out the spout.

I clean the tank out every 2 or 3 years depending on how much I use it. I simply remove the lid and the pump and pour the varsol and water into a separate container. Most of the sludge flows out with the fluid and I muck out the small amount that doesn't. I take all of it to a hazardous household waste depot. I tell them what it is and I have never had a problem.

I built the above washer in the mid 70's and have only replaced the pump once - about 5 years ago. I picked a new one at Princess Auto (similar to Harbor Freight). It isn't quite as good as the original but it works fine. If I recall it cost about $20.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Stew

 

[RonRock]

What is Varsol? And where can I buy it? Is it similar to Stoddard solvent?

 

[PCO6]

Ron - The link below will explain it better than I can. Varsol is actually a trade name. I have used it as a cleaning agent for as long as I can remember. I have always got it at Canadian Tire. The current price is about $8 to $9 for about 4 litres. Like you with Varsol, I have never heard of Stoddard solvent.

Stew

http://www.exxonmobilchemical.com/C...uids-products-varsol.aspx?ln=productsservices

 

[ptschram]

Has anyone tried a used dishwasher using a different pump ,setting it
on a stand with a tank under it.
just a thought

Years ago, I had one that I filled with diesel fuel and ran for awhile until I came to my senses and realized I'd built a big bomb!

I have one that I intend to use with aqueous detergent for washign after it's been through the solvent tank.

For a solvent-based washer, I have a Safety-Kleen tank I've had since I was 17. Still goin' strong with diesel fuel in it. I have had to repalce the pump once and the hose as well.

W/R/T water in the bottom, I've had several drums rust out and now use a plastic drum so it won't rust

 

[RonRock]

Ron - The link below will explain it better than I can. Varsol is actually a trade name. I have used it as a cleaning agent for as long as I can remember. I have always got it at Canadian Tire. The current price is about $8 to $9 for about 4 litres. Like you with Varsol, I have never heard of Stoddard solvent.

Stew

http://www.exxonmobilchemical.com/C...uids-products-varsol.aspx?ln=productsservices

Thanks Stew, I did a Google search after posting and from a quick look, it looks like mineral spirits is very similar to Varsol, and Stoddard solvents. It seems that mineral spirits is still easily available so therefore an easy choice of the three.

Thanks Again,
Ron

 

[Milton Shaw]

I would not recommend air agitation for carb cleaner. Most of them I have seen have had water sitting on the top of them to seal the cleaning agents below. If you air agitate the carb cleaner would go bad in very short time. The water on the bottom with varsol sounds like a good idea, I had one I had rigged up from a utility sink and a Northern Tools pump, but had used an old five gallon pail and the stuff ate a hole through it, big mess. I am not cleaning that many parts right now.