What do you wash parts with?
 

I've moved into a new shop and am getting set up. The old parts washer leaked and went to the dump. Back to Square One. Historically I've used kerosene to wash parts in, but that may not be currently PC. What do other folks use?

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

I found anything "PC" don't work anywhere near as good as good old fashioned dangerous stuff. Stay with the good stuff.
Martin.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Agree! I actually browse the warning labels in the household chemical section of the grocery store...if the warning is scary, I take the stuff home and see how it does on grease and on rust.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

I use solvent.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

stoddard solvent, expensive but works VERY well.
tom

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Kerosene for greasy, oily, dirty stuff. Starting fluid for brake parts. Cheapest easiest, without a washer don't forget brushes, scrapers, various shapes and stiffness. Fun Fun Fun.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

+1 for Stodard solvent,not very flammable and does not evaporate from tank.

John

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Screw P.C. Go to the local auto paint store & buy a couple of 5 gallon cans of cheapo laquer thinner. We call it "gun wash". Normally about 5 bucks a gallon, it works great. This is what I have used to clean all engine parts for years in my parts washer.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

I'm with you. Great stuff. Plus, you can put a "layer" of water over it and the water will evaporate prior to the solvent.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

I use mineral spirit in my cleaning sink, use to be 2 bucks a gal. now about 14 bucks a gal. I use to smoke when I was late teens and early 20's, cig were 25 cents a pack, I quit when they went up to 35 cents, that was back in the early 60's, now I guess there 7-8 bucks a pack. I know a guy and his wife both smoke, pay over 100bucks a week on cigs. That don't have pot to pi-- in. I don't feel sorry for them. Walt

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Kerosene or diesel are very effective and safe. Diesel is cheaper which is what I use.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Good subject!! I have a 20 gal Graymills washer that sits over a 16 gal drum. I don't want to fill it or use the electric pump so I've decided to suspend a 5 gal can with mineral spirits inside the drum and use this foot pump http://www.thebosworthco.com/appprod.php?Item=322.

Lonnie

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Thanks a lot guys!! I think I'll buy a few gallons of mineral spirits/solvent. Where did the name "Stoddard" come from?

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

When safety solvent went way up in price it was on to naptha. Naptha is high too but not near as high as safety-solve. When you buy by the 55-gallon drum, you have to save somewhere. I have fire extinguishers all over the place and have to get them checked annually. Only one of my guys smokes and he goes outside when he has the need.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Thanks a lot guys!! I think I'll buy a few gallons of mineral spirits/solvent. Where did the name "Stoddard" come from?

Mr.Stoddard? :rolleyes:
tom

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

For my limited need...."I don't build 'em, just try to keep 'em on the road"

Put on gloves & glasses, get my tub and brush, grab the gallon of mineral spirits and/or petrol for the tough stuff, go outside and clean 'til I'm dizzy.;)

Bob
:cool:

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

STODDARD SOLVENT
Stoddard solvent is also considered to be a form of mineral spirits, white spirits, and naphtha;
however, not all forms of mineral spirits, white spirits, or naphtha are considered to be Stoddard
solvent.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

At our shop, we use a safe solvent from a company called "ZEP". NEVER use a volatile substance such as lacquer thinner or gasoline in a parts washer. One spark and BOOM. If you are just washing parts in a pan outdoors, the fuel for lanterns and camp stoves sold by hardware stores is effective, and less expensive.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Purple Power degreaser here - full strength. Been using it for a few years now. It may take a little longer than the "ol' school' stuff for heavy grease and grime but it workd great for me. I may soak a heavily caked part for a day or two and add a little light elbow grease and presto! super clean parts.

I just did my 49 Merc tranny. works great!

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Odorless mineral spirits works great and readily available at paint stores.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Super - glad to finally see that '47 Convertible in your avatar! Been hearing about it for years!! Pretty car!!

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Just remember that whatever hydrocarbon-based solvent you use, WEAR LIQUID PROOF GLOVES. When I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006, my oncologist said the number one suspected cause of lymphoma is benzene, a component in gasoline (although nowadays, the percentage in gasoline is much less) and other crude oil-based liquids. Almost all solvents contain cancer causing substances, so don't take a chance. I used to come home after working on old cars all day long, my hands stinking of gasoline that we used as a solvent. I would wash my hands ten times and they would still smell of gasoline. Was I stupid? Yes, in hindsight, I was, but back in the day, we didn't think much about such things. For more information, see:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerc...kplace/benzene

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

I use Diesel, Not as good as the old stuff but works good enough.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Mix 1/2 NAPTHA, 1/2 AUTO TRANS FLUID. great stuff, cheap and (relatively) safe. Also, plain old brake fluid works great.

Re: What do you wash parts with?
 

Go to Costco and ask for OilEater. Soak the parts in full strength liquid, brush parts as needed till clean. Washes off with water (hose pressure or pressure washer) and leaves an oilless finish. Use air pressure to dry, then spray with dilute phosphoric acid for a rust free finish that lasts a long time if it does not get wet with water. OilEater can be reused many times. Let the liquid settle, covered for a few days, and the crud settles to the bottom. You can pour off the good liquid and save for next time you need it. Pour the crud in a hole in the dirt. It is biodegradable! This best I have used,
little smell, wear rubber gloves and protect your eyes for safety. You also
can purchase a gallon or five gallons at OilEater.com.