Solvent in Harbor Freight Parts Washer

[danmcph]

I looked at the parts washers at Harbor Freight (20 gallon model) and it said it was for water based solvents.

Is there a different model for using solvents like mineral spirits?

If not, can I used mineral spirits in the water based model?

If not, what is the best water based solvent?

 

[Major Ramifications]

I'm pretty sure mine says the same thing. I think they do that simply to help them prevail in a lawsuit. I use the cheap solvent from Tractor Supply, as the water based stuff really needs to be heated to work worth a darn.

 

[foghorn1966]

The weak link is the pump, use it with solvent until it quits then replace it with a solvent rated one. (Pump in mine lasted a week).

 

[bobcatdan]

I had one of those parts washers and filled it with simple green mixed with water since it was in an attached garage. It hate threw the tank in under 2 years.

 

[Motorman55]

Is the pump rated for flammable solvents? Better look before you leap.

 

[1950mercury]

I have a friend that ignored the sticker and put mineral spirits in it and the pump died in a day

 

[Warrenator]

If the lid has one of those fusible links so the lid will close automatically when it melts in a fire, rest easy, your tank was designed for solvent. The pump they may have cheaped out on, mine is older but never had any problem with stoddard solvent or mineral spirits. If the pump dies there are many threads on replacing or upgrading the pump, some people plumb in a filter.

 

[Infinia]

Rightly or wrongly, mineral spirits and other volatile solvents here in Ca. is becoming an expensive cleaning solution. I haven't tried the newer alternatives they sell. but IMO It's worth exploring some of the new detergents with water. Ive had good experience with the purple flavors, but not tried it below 65 degrees. Like the directions on hair shampoo, soak-n-scrub, repeat.
For chrome /plated things i've found WD-40 and steel wool / wire wheel to work best.

 

[danmcph]

How do you tell if the lid has a fusible link?

 

[SantaAna12]

How do you tell if the lid has a fusible link?

http://www.safety-kleen.com/product...ies/solvent-parts-washer/solvent-parts-washer

 

[slip knot]

I got the 20 gallon HF model and have used Stoddard solvent in it for several years. be advised that you will need a lot of solvent to make it work. I tried 5 gallons and it wasn't enough to fill it to the pump level. put a couple of oil jugs full of water in it to take up some space. A real pita. I've made a few changes to it and have gotten to where it will run on @2 1/2 gallons, using an external reservoir. the pump is still original but the hoses have been replaced several times.

 

[Warrenator]

How do you tell if the lid has a fusible link?

If the lid has a spring lift to hold it open about halfway, look at the mechanism, the fusible link is a strip of metal that looks like a piece of beer can rather than a solid metal rod. If there is a fire the strip will melt and the lid slams shut, thereby snuffing the fire.

That mechanism is the annoying piece that doesn't let the lid open all the way, but rather holds it halfway up so it can slam shut if needed.