Inliners International Forums General Discussion Bench racing SURVEY - Parts washer solvents

What is the best solvent for your parts washer, and why.

Gentlemen;

I use diesel fuel for general parts cleaning. It's cheaper that kerosine or solvent (which I use too)and it doesn't burn up your hands.

Other solvents have their place but diesel is best for general grease/grime etc.

John M....

I use 'mineral spirits' from the paint store in 5 gal. cans. It seems to dissolve grease better than diesel, however, diesel is sure cheaper and not so dangerous.

I know most won't agree with me,but I made sure my parts washer could use NON-PETROLEUM based cleaners such as "Purple Power".Admittedly it takes more soak time and elbow grease to clean parts, but it is way easier to dispose of in my community.

I have found that if you can heat The NON-PETROLEUM cleaners they work Much faster. I use stuff that may very well be the same.Called Purple stuff which i heat And it cleans Much faster when I Use Hot Water alone with it. For that Matter It tells you right on the Bottle not to use on a hot motor It will Take the Paint Off if the Motor is Hot. But works Great on the Grease Hot hope this helps }[oooooo]

Duh ! Never thought about heat to it.Thanks Larry

The solvent capacity on my washer is 10 gallons and I found that using 8 gallons of mineral spirits and 2 gallons of kerosene gives the best results at a reasonable price. About once a year I filter it and clean the bottom of the tub and top it off with the same 80 / 20 mix of fresh fluid.

Diesel fuel aka #2 home heating oil will eventually jell and gum from the algae that is in it. Agreeably this isn't much of a problem when you consider the other garbage we are introducing into the fluid as we clean parts but mineral spirits and true kerosene are algae free.

As far as flame safety is concerned both diesel and #2 heating oil have the same flash point as kerosene of 100 degrees F ( minimum ), and all 3 products ignition point is in the 650 degree or higher range. In simple terms those fuels have to be at 650 degrees or higher before they will self support combustion.

If you own a metal parts washer tank you can make a heater for it pretty cheap by buying a element for an electric water heater. Just drill a hole in the tank under the liquid level and get a thermostat control for it. works great.

Gael

That's a good idea Gael. I'll be checking my washer out to see how I can do this.