What do you wash parts with?

[DD931]

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?

[scooder]

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

[Bruce Lancaster]

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.

[Mike B]

I use solvent.

[hotcoupe]

stoddard solvent, expensive but works VERY well.
tom

[A bones]

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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.

[john in illinois]

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

John

[Bill's Auto Works]

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.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by john in illinois

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

John

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.

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

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

[mrtexas]

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

[Binx]

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

[DD931]

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

[rotorwrench]

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.

[hotcoupe]

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?
tom

[Bertha]

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

[Capn John]

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.

[supereal]

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.

[timdhawk]

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!

[Init1]

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