Part Washer Fluid

[Emplatation]

Hey guys just bought yesterday a 20 Gallons part washer. I bought two Gallons of Varsol to find out that I need a minimum of 15. That **** gets expensive.

So l wonder what do you guys use/recommend for something that will be "cheap" and relatively safe ?

Is there anything that exist in that range or do I have to pay the high price? Also I don't want something that will smell everywhere.

Ps: I’m in Canada so PSC1000 isn’t an option.

 

[winkeldc]

I have been using PSC1000 from tractor supply. It does the job, but its really all I know since that's the only stuff I have used since I bought a parts washer a few years ago. Doesn't have a smell strong. Even after cleaning the tub after an engine rebuild that had a ton of sludge, the fluid was reusable just with filtering the larger gunk out.

 

[zippyslug31]

I'm using kerosene in mine; read it as a suggestion somewhere. Cheap(ish), works decently well, doesn't have a super strong smell... but the fire risk isn't great. I've had my tank sitting in an uninsulated barn (hot in the summer) and it's been fine for 3 or 4 years now. YMMV

 

[sponfit]

Another vote for PSC-1000.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Simple Green HD (which is purple) mixed at 2-5 times recommended strength is pretty good, but you can't leave it in washer for weeks on end.

Even the dollar store degreaser mixed at 2-5 times recommended strength is not bad. I heard their new formula may not play well with "pot metal" (mostly zinc) and/of aluminum so test it out.

 

[Sumboodie]

Mineral spirits/Stoddard solvent is what every shop I've been to uses aside from the special water based units.
Those aren't too bad if they are heated and have some type of oil skimmer

It's about $15 a gallon, but will last several years if you are smart about cleaning stuff.

Like wipe the 3lbs of grease out of bearings and hubs beforehand,, etc.

 

[gearhead1]

I use mineral spirits. Can get from Home boy Despot, or sLowes.

 

[racecougar]

PSC1000 here.

 

[texasprd]

I have been using PSC1000 from tractor supply. It does the job, but its really all I know since that's the only stuff I have used since I bought a parts washer a few years ago. Doesn't have a smell strong. Even after cleaning the tub after an engine rebuild that had a ton of sludge, the fluid was reusable just with filtering the larger gunk out.

Another vote for PSC-1000.

PSC1000 here.

The OP already said that PSC1000 isn't an option for him since he's in Canada.

I got high-flash mineral spirits from a local petroleum supplier - if there is an independent petroleum-products supplier near you, that is my recommendation. That was much cheaper at the time than getting it from an auto parts store or other retailer.

 

[PoorUB]

Reading comprehension is low in this thread!

 

[winkeldc]

Reading comprehension is low in this thread!

Or, he edited the post after the last PSC comment . . .

 

[PoorUB]

Or, he edited the post after the last PSC comment . . .

Perhaps after the second comment, but not the third!

 

[Rockable]

Mineral spirits is rough on your hands but works well. Buy some chemical resistant gloves and use them. Be prepared to replace them occasionally as the Mineral spirits will harden them. Just imagine what it does to your skin.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Another vote for PSC-1000! Is there any way it can be shipped to Canada?

 

[csp]

Any way to take up some of the volume in your parts washers tank?

Bricks, concrete blocks, etc....

 

[isb cornbinder]

https://www.princessauto.com/en/professional-grade-solvent/product/PA0009045329

t
This is the solvent I use. I bought two 5 gallon buckets.

 

[6869704X4]

Cheap, no smell, safe, and not PSC1000. I think you've narrowed your options down to.......water.

 

[4x4Pete]

I thought I'd mention Princess Auto has solvent in 5 gal pails. Now their pricing has gone crazy. $114.99 for a 5 gallon pain of solvent? It's cheaper to buy Varsol by the gallon at $17.99!!

 

[texasprd]

Or, he edited the post after the last PSC comment . . .

Apologies to winkeldc & sponfit - I missed the relative timing of the OP's edit, so the OP might not have excluded PSC1000 when they replied.

 

[Rod N]

https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/p/KLF116?cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-8500:NOYSQ4:20501231:APZ_1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArLyuBhA7EiwA-qo80NfonRQI7loIjLPRgU4Cj00uGTm38g7CgwKtWponktyxz1BdRVis1BoC9GwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Rod N]

^^ Kleen-Flow Kleen solvent

 

[fsae0607]

Can you get mineral spirits in Canada? If not, kerosene or diesel.

Once you wash your parts, you can do a final rinse with brake cleaner or denatured/99% IPA to remove the slow-evaporating mineral spirits/kerosene. That's what I do since I use PSC1000 in my parts washer, which is essentially mineral spirits.