What's everyone using in parts washer

[rdlagray]

Just picked up parts washer today. It says to use water based cleaners. Got it from tractor supply. The only cleaner they had is petroleum based. Just wondering how long the pump will last.

[pprince]

My parts washer says to use water based too.

I bought it maybe 8 years ago and have always used petroleum based cleaner in it. A few years ago I took it all apart and filtered the cleaner and cleaned it up.

It's still on the original pump.

[Ponyman66]

+1 on the petroleum based fluid. I bought mine from Northern and it's basically Stoddard fluid (white spirits). Though a little pricey ($50 for 5 gals), it's what I've been used to using for several decades in other parts washers (not mine). I've had it in my parts washer for a little over a year now with no pump problems. The stuff cleans and degreases parts just great. My brother also bought a parts washer but used the water based stuff and hated it! He told me it barely removed any gunk or grease.

[camachinist]

I use Hotsy Tubmate

The machine is an older version of the 7530, pictured below on one of my customer's web site.



It provides good corrosion protection (essential in the 3310, my model) for the machine and parts, as well as progressive cleaning up to around 145-150 degrees water temp. IME, it works far, far better hot. Low foaming, good suspension of greases/oils, moderate evaporation. The tank holds about 50 gallons and I refill it maybe 15 times a year. The charge (about 7.5lbs) lasts about one year in my use. The corrosion inhibitors appear to be the first to go.

Oh, also, I have a 'SimpleGreen' hot hand parts washer (one of those big polyethylene barrels with the tub on top) and I use TubMate in it, too. Works fine. Wear gloves. It'll eat your skin.

[Maxum96]

Originally Posted by camachinist

I use Hotsy Tubmate

The machine is an older version of the 7530, pictured below on one of my customer's web site.



It provides good corrosion protection (essential in the 3310, my model) for the machine and parts, as well as progressive cleaning up to around 145-150 degrees water temp. IME, it works far, far better hot. Low foaming, good suspension of greases/oils, moderate evaporation. The tank holds about 50 gallons and I refill it maybe 15 times a year. The charge (about 7.5lbs) lasts about one year in my use. The corrosion inhibitors appear to be the first to go.

Oh, also, I have a 'SimpleGreen' hot hand parts washer (one of those big polyethylene barrels with the tub on top) and I use TubMate in it, too. Works fine. Wear gloves. It'll eat your skin.

Nice machine, but a little bit out of my price range! I'll stick with my 20 year old Harbor Freight special. I think I've only cleaned the sludge out of the bottom once or twice in that time. I put 10 gallons of solvent in it when I first got it and put 5 gallons in last year due to evaporation and etc. Pump is still going strong.

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by Ponyman66

+1 on the petroleum based fluid. I bought mine from Northern and it's basically Stoddard fluid (white spirits). Though a little pricey ($50 for 5 gals), it's what I've been used to using for several decades in other parts washers (not mine). I've had it in my parts washer for a little over a year now with no pump problems. The stuff cleans and degreases parts just great. My brother also bought a parts washer but used the water based stuff and hated it! He told me it barely removed any gunk or grease.

I work part time at a parts store (for clocks, unfortunately) and one gallon of cleaner costs $40-$55!

Maybe that will make you feel a little better.

[rdlagray]

Thanks for your comments. I'll go back and get another 5 gal while it is only $40 for 5 gal. Glad to hear everybodys pumps are holding up, makes me feel better about this thing. I searched the forum before I posted, and someone said their pump gave out the first day, because of using the wrong cleaner. Must have just been a bad pump. Thanks everyone.

[Ponyman66]

Originally Posted by TheDude

I work part time at a parts store (for clocks, unfortunately) and one gallon of cleaner costs $40-$55!

Maybe that will make you feel a little better.

Yes it does!! I gotta say that with so many chemicals no longer available due to tightening regulations, I was happy to simply find it

[Maxum96]

Originally Posted by Ponyman66

Yes it does!! I gotta say that with so many chemicals no longer available due to tightening regulations, I was happy to simply find it

I used to live in Kalifornia. Talk about tough regs out there. I'm amazed at the stuff that's still legal to do out here in Colorado. I remember years ago what a no-no it was to steam clean engines and other stuff and not catch the runoff water. You can still go to the car washes around here and clean your engine.

[camachinist]

Yep, that's why I use totally aqueous based cleaning solutions. Outside, we have to use a certified recycling system that clarifies and cleans the water to a level acceptable for a percentage to discharge into sanitary sewer. Also, it's a no-no to ever say 'steam cleaner'. Everything now is 'pressure washed with water'. Fortunately, most of the stuff I work on will fit into the APW. It's perfect for engines, though one hasn't seen the inside of it for years.

[miketyler]

I have a Safety Clean model I got off of Craigslist. It uses a 15 gallon drum as the stand and has the flexible spout, power brush, and overhead light. I use naptha or odorless mineral spirits.