Parts Washer Solvent

[D45]

I acquired a free BNIB part washer solvent tank

I have a NG garage heater somewhat close to where I want to place it, so I am concerned about the type of solvent I will be using

What's a good type that isn't really flammable?

 

[D45]

From what I see online, PSC-1000 from Tractor Supply seems to be good

 

[theoldwizard1]

The degreaser they sell at Harbor Freight works well degreasing. You need to use it at about 50/50 and I don't know how well it would last for a long time in a parts washer tank.

 

[Sumboodie]

Stoddard solvent

 

[D45]

I also don't want it to freeze in the tank over the winter, even though my garage is heated when I'm out there working

 

[D45]

The degreaser they sell at Harbor Freight works well degreasing. You need to use it at about 50/50 and I don't know how well it would last for a long time in a parts washer tank.

Is this water based?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Is this water based?

Yes !

 

[M6erfan]

From what I see online, PSC-1000 from Tractor Supply seems to be good

It is

 

[atikovi]

Safety-Kleen? I'm not sure anything available to the general public is going to be very effective compared to stuff sold 30 years ago.

 

[Pinemarten]

Non-flammable and non-freezing is a tough requirement. Old school parts washers used Stoddard solvent which is flammable, close the lid when you aren't washing parts. It was like having a running faucet rinsing the parts. The solvent drains into the tank to improve safety.

Here is the MSDS:

https://ilrc.ucf.edu/documents/ILRC%2000000495/MSDS%2000000495.pdf

Maybe some water-based solvent could be mixed with a anti-freeze agent that wouldn't compromise the cleaning action.

 

[D45]

If the lid on the parts tank is closed when not in use, the parts tank is about 10 feet from the NG ceiling heater, and there parts tank is in a separate room of the garage (door can be closed when in use).......think I would be ok with a solvent?

 

[atikovi]

My desktop Safety-Kleen in the basement is 8 feet from the gas furnace. House hasn't blown up in 20 years.

 

[D45]

I ordered a flow thru brush kit and added a bottom drain valve

 

[bb29510]

if it freezes would that really be a bad thing

 

[Bryanbdp]

As I understand it, stoddard solvent is the same thing as paint thinner...

 

[D45]

PSC-1000 from Tractor Supply is like $48 for 5 gallons

My tank holds 12 gallons so hopefully two containers fill it up enough

 

[Pinemarten]

if it freezes would that really be a bad thing

If the solvent tank has a pump, then yes, Pumps dislike expansion from freezing liquids.

 

[Schurkey]

PSC-1000 from Tractor Supply is like $48 for 5 gallons

My tank holds 12 gallons so hopefully two containers fill it up enough

Why do you need a "full" tank?

My "tank" is a 30-gallon drum. I typically run four gallons of low-odor mineral spirits in it. I rinse parts using clean mineral spirits from a "garden sprayer", and the runoff rinse solvent kinda replaces what evaporates out of the tank.

 

[ctandc72]

The Tractor Supply works well but after trying OilEater - I'm sold.

 

[Bryanbdp]

I've used kerosene in the past. Much less flammable but not as aggressive cleaning. I floated it on water so the crud would drop down into the water layer. Pump has to be suspended in kerosene layer.

 

[Sumboodie]

Safety-Kleen? I'm not sure anything available to the general public is going to be very effective compared to stuff sold 30 years ago.

That's stoddard solvent

 

[Sumboodie]

As I understand it, stoddard solvent is the same thing as paint thinner...

No, paint thinner is less refined. It's more oily, smells more and lower flash point.

You're thinking of mineral spirits.

 

[D45]

The Tractor Supply works well but after trying OilEater - I'm sold.

Water based. It will freeze

 

[Walkers]

PSC-1000 from Tractor Supply is like $48 for 5 gallons

My tank holds 12 gallons so hopefully two containers fill it up enough

He PSC1000 is basically mineral spirits

 

[M6erfan]

He PSC1000 is basically mineral spirits

And at less than $10/ga it's a good deal for the smaller end user.

 

[ctandc72]

Water based. It will freeze

It hasn't frozen yet in my shop in VA - that would be a sign I need to move further South.

 

[Mattilac]

PSC 1000 works great for me!

 

[Walkers]

And at less than $10/ga it's a good deal for the smaller end user.

I'm not saying it's not, I use it. The op was simply wanting to know what he was putting next to his furnace.

 

[M6erfan]

PSC 1000 has a flashpoint of 145°f

 

[4x4Pete]

Any flammable or caustic vapors can cause damage to your heating equipment. If it was a direct vent type (sealed, ducted combustion air supply rather than room air for combustion) furnace you would have no issue with any of the solvents. If it isn't, can it be set up as a direct vent?

 

[bb29510]

It hasn't frozen yet in my shop in VA - that would be a sign I need to move further South.

hey if i move any farther south i get my feet wet, Im already four miles from the gulf

 

[Jagmandave]

I use Crystal Clean, it's similar to Safety Kleen, they come and haul off my old one and drop a new one for me, cost is $167 delivered for a 25 gallon barrel (less than $7/gal, delivered to my shop), and I set my HF parts washer right on top.

Parts Washers | Parts Cleaners

Crystal Clean offers a wide selection of parts washers and parts cleaners. Explore automotive & industrial solvent & aqueous parts washers. Learn more online!

www.crystal-clean.com

 

[D45]

Why do you need a "full" tank?

Valid point. I just read the manual and it said to use 12 gallons

I will try a single 5 gallon container and see how well it full the wash tank, to hopefully cover the pump inlet

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Stoddart solvent, mineral spirits, Varsol, whatever you call it, is not very flammable.

My co-worker was leaning on a cut off disc one day and it was dumping a solid blast of sparks directly into the parts washer and nothing happened. My father actually had to tell my brother in law's father that he had to shut off his kerosene heater after he filled it with Varsol given to him by a co-worker, after my dad noticed by the sight and smell that it was not burning properly.

It can be rough on your hands, but it is not a fire hazard. It cleans well, and can be had in a low odour format. Once it has a bit of oil mixed into it, it's a bit easier on the skin.

 

[BillK]

Safety Kleen will sell you what you need and will also come and dispose of it when needed. I have one Safety Kleen solvent type washer at my shop and it is about 10 feet away from the ceiling hung gas heater. Its not an issue.

 

[lbhsbz]

The yellow Awesome stuff...available at the 99 cent store and other cheapo stores for about $4/gallon. Mix it with water, I run about 1 part yellow stuff 2 parts water in my ultrasonic and it works great on grungy stuff.

LAs Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner, Concentrated - 64 fl oz | Google

www.google.com

 

[D45]

Anything water based I'm concerned will freeze and damage parts

 

[D45]

I picked up one 5 gallon container of the PSC-1000 from Tractor Supply

They had 3 containers in stock, from 25 early last week

 

[M6erfan]

I picked up one 5 gallon container of the PSC-1000 from Tractor Supply

They had 3 containers in stock, from 25 early last week

That's the GJ effect. It's real.

 

[atikovi]

That's stoddard solvent

What's that? You mean standard solvent?