Parts washers/solvent tanks?

[Jason280]

Ok, I'm tired of fighting with greasy/gunked over parts and carb cleaner....need suggestions on a good parts washer/solvent tank. Are there any heated versions that aren't cost prohibitive?

I spent the better part of the night fighting this below, there has to be an easier way!!

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[WittHay]

I have always used a engine cleaning gun for large parts that don't fit in a parts washer. The clear tube ***** from a can of solvent and with air pressure works good

 

[WILD-BILL]

Heated parts washer as in water based? I wouldn't bother.

I bought the HF 20 gal and converted it to a separate tank with a thermostat controlled heating element. Came out really nice too.

Too bad it didn't clean worth a **** and the HF pump died after only a few uses.

I replaced the pump with a Little Giant solvent rated unit and used the Tractor Supply solvent.

The difference is night and day.

My point, get a solvent based setup. No need for heat (and I don't think it's even recommended)

 

[Jason280]

I replaced the pump with a Little Giant solvent rated unit and used the Tractor Supply solvent.

The difference is night and day.

My point, get a solvent based setup. No need for heat (and I don't think it's even recommended)

Thanks, I'll have to look into the TSC stuff!

 

[velillen01]

I have the harbor freight parts washer and have been happy with it. It does have its issues though but anything so cheap will.

I used it with the HF solvent. It has worked just fine IMO.

Heres the issues and pro's I've encountered which some aren't specific to the HF unit but rather the type of washer it is

-Solvent is cold. Its the temperature of the garage so without a heater its chilly on the hands. But not bad if you just use the spray more for washing off rather than full time spray

-The spray kind of ***** only having a on and a off. While on you can get a lot of spray going all over. Would be nice there was a flow control.

-The basin is a decent depth to soak parts in.

-Extremely dirty/greasy parts aren't the best to clean. I did axle parts covered in grease in mine and the dirt/grease clogged the filter pretty quick. Wouldn't be an issue with an external tank design but the of the box setup you should be mindful of how dirty things are before you put them in. Or be prepared to change filters often.

-The drain is a bit annoying. Not bad but think oil drain plug. You break it loose and stuff gets everywhere. I swapped it for a ball valve, which drains slow (1/8" I think?) but is nice and clean.



Another thing you could do is the basic parts washer and then have a bucket under filled with solvent to soak dirty parts in. Knock the big **** off then take it uptop. Its what I have been doing and it works nicely.

Its really all about how much you want to spend. I wanted cheap so haven't change much at all.

 

[vpd66]

I too converted an import parts washer to a separate tank solvent parts washer. I made a 7 gallon square tank that sits on the shelf that ties the legs together. I bought a Little Gaint pump and put a diesel fuel filter inline. I put 1.5 gallons of water and 5 gallons of kerosene. The water sits on the bottom and the heavy dirt settles down in it. I love the way it works and it cost around $20 to change the fluid (only had to change the fluid once in a year and half).