Parts washer solvent - How much?

[Stick-man]

I recently scored a used Snap-on 30 gal parts washer. I am going to use PSC-1000 solvent. I don't think I will need 30 gal in it. How much do you put in yours? I know if I only do 5 gal it might get dirty fast. What do you think would be the ideal amount? Small, side-gig shop, so not going to see major daily use.

 

[JradM]

I imagine this is a question of where you pump sits. I have a 20 gallon parts washer - I put 10 gallons in mine and a large piece of scrap steel to displace some liquid before the pump would stop sucking air. Maybe your Snap on is better designed.

Of course, you probably don't want the pump to sit too low either, or it might **** particulates off the bottom instead of allowing them to settle.

 

[Stick-man]

Good point. I haven't set it up yet, so I don't know where the pump sits. I would have known to go above the pump, but that is a great point about the sludge. I will make sure the pump is not on the bottom. I guess I was just looking for the best amount for longevity of the solvent. Is it better to use the minimum, or to use a lot more?

 

[RTM]

Is it better to use the minimum, or to use a lot more?

In my world, minimum fill for something is only if I'm doing a small batch or one item. If I expect to do a bunch, I will go to a higher volume.

Less to transfer out, let evaporate, etc

 

[Stick-man]

Is evaporation an issue? My reservoir is the square tank underneath, so the solvent drains down to that.

 

[chevy.stroker]

If you can provide a part number, or look it up on the Snap On site, they provide the required amount of fluid.

PSC-1000 does evaporate, but not fast (think years). When not in use just close the lid.

 

[Stick-man]

If you can provide a part number, or look it up on the Snap On site, they provide the required amount of fluid.

PSC-1000 does evaporate, but not fast (think years). When not in use just close the lid.

Yeah, I couldn't find anything on the Snappy site. But I know I will have to have it above the pump, wherever that may be. But I am trying to find out, from someone that uses these, if the fluid will last longer with more gallons in the tank, or is that a waste? Obviously, the more gallons, the longer it will take to get dirty. But, cost vs. effectiveness is what I am looking for. I guess I will just have to put in the minimum first, and next time put more, and figure it out. It will just take a while, so I may not worry about it.

 

[The Cobbler]

I don't think there's a magic formula for cost vs amount used .
obviously 1 gallon will get dirty faster than 20 gallons. but I think it's more down to what you're comfortable with
case in point, James Condon on you tube uses fresh cleaner in his ultrasoncic cleaner every time, and he only uses evaporust 1 time. other guys us evaporust till it no longer works and their ultrasonic cleaner fluids are well used.

 

[Stick-man]

I just found Graymills site. They have a 16 & 30 gal manual solvent washer. For the 30 they list the min at 10 gals and max at 20 gals. I'm guessing mine will be the same. So I will probably start out with 15.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would probably use just enough and a bit more in a home shop... easier to get rid of, less up front cost .
I keep used paint solvents . the more used gets used for initial gun wash , then the cleaner of the used gets used for a second wash, then the new gets used for final clean

 

[Stick-man]

I don't think there's a magic formula for cost vs amount used .
obviously 1 gallon will get dirty faster than 20 gallons. but I think it's more down to what you're comfortable with
case in point, James Condon on you tube uses fresh cleaner in his ultrasoncic cleaner every time, and he only uses evaporust 1 time. other guys us evaporust till it no longer works and their ultrasonic cleaner fluids are well used.

Yeah, I guess I was just searchin for that magical answer. LOL Trial and error will answer my question. I will start with 15, and I am sure that will last me a long while. I already have 5 jugs, so I will get 1 more and have a change on hand. I sure hope TSC doesn't skyrocket the price or worse, delete the item all together. No where else that I have found has it, and that inexpensive.

 

[PhantomEB]

Use a remote bucket underneath that’s filtered. When I go to build mine it will have a 5 gallon pail 3/4 full and pump 1/3rd of the way up from the bottom Sitting on a mesh platform. Drain from tank will go thru this mesh as to put the dirty **** right to the lower 1\4.

yours i almost would go two buckets and have a really decent filtration system.